900 tasked to secure Ati-Atihan Festival

KALIBO, AKLAN , Philippines  —— There has been no reports of threats, but authorities have deployed a joint team of 900 men to secure this year’s Ati-Atihan Festival, which runs from January 9 to 15.

The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) said the 900 personnel consist of policemen, soldiers and military reservists, auxiliary police, volunteers, and non-government organizations.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., PRO-6 director, said APPO director, Sr. Supt. Cornelio Defensor, was designated Task Group commander for security of the festival.

Of the 900 personnel, 360 are policemen from the Police Regional Office-6 headquarters, beefed with more men from the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion.

Querol said security requirements relative to the maintenance of peace and order of the celebration are already in place.

Defensor said APPO will establish 11 police assistance centers (PACs) in this capital town to ensure the safety and security of tourists, devotees and revelers, and keep the traffic flow along major streets smooth during the street parade.

Checkpoints were already established since January 2, particularly on routes going to Boracay, entering Kalibo airport and going to and from Iloilo City, said Defensor.

Besides the street parade, Ati-Atihan Festival will also feature Search for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, Higante contest, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights, exhibits, Balik-Ati and Modern Tribal groups contest, Kaean-an sa Plaza, Ati-Atihan product showcase, pilgrims’ mass and traditional religious procession, and paeapak or pahilot.