MORE than 6,000 security personnel will be deployed starting January 24 around the metropolis to ensure the safety of revelers of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.

They include 2,347 police officers, and the rest are from Armed Forces of the Philippines, volunteers, colleges and universities, and non-government organizations.

Backpacks, big luggage, bladed weapons, pointed sticks, buckled knives, and glass bottles will be banned during Dinagyang highlights on January 25 to 27.

“Minors who are drunk will be brought to the station. We will only release the minor if the parent or guardian will fetch them,” Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief Martin Defensor, Jr. said.

“We will be strict in the implementation of security measures most especially with prohibited items which will be subjected to thorough inspection,” ICPO Operations and Plans Deputy Chief Insp. Mercylin S. Duero said.

Duero said they ban backpacks and luggage as these might contain deadly weapons and explosives that pose threat to the safety of the people.

Curfew on minors will also be strictly implemented starting 10 p.m.

Sound systems are allowed until 11 p.m. while selling of liquors is until 2 a.m.

Cellular phone signals will be shut down on January 26 to 27 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We will have choke-and-checkpoints on every entry center of activities. We will also deploy task unit for anti-criminality at the city’s boundary to maintain peace and order,” Defensor said.

“We assure you of peaceful Dinagyang though we will not accomplish anything without the help of the community itself,” he said. (PR)