Friday, January 19, 2007 More cops deployed in Friday's salvo By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will be deploying maximum personnel in all city roads today to secure spectators who would witness the opening salvo of the 2007 Dinagyang Festival.
ICPO Director Wesley Barayuga said the opening salvo is the dry run of the celebration on how they can secure the spectators and avoid untoward incidents.
"We have to dispatch our men to safeguard the people and contestants and to avoid any untoward incident," Barayuga said.
Around 6,000 personnel including augmentation forces and guards are ready to be placed on the city roads.
Aside from uniformed personnel who would man the main roads, there will also civilian personnel to be deployed to monitor the peace and order.
Traffic enforcers would also augment to assist the traffic jam and avoid vehicular accidents.
There will be a rerouting of passenger jeepneys, as the traffic will be closed as 1 p.m. to give way the participating tribes.
"This is the dry run of the event and if there's a need for improvement we have to do so for the convenience of tribes and spectators," he added.
With this, Barayuga warns the spectators to be cautious of their personal belongings and as much as possible, they should avoid wearing of jewelry items and bringing big amount of money so as not to be victimized by the snatchers and pickpockets.
