ILOILO CITY: The Dinagyang Festival held here on January 27 and 28 was generally peaceful, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported on Monday.

The ICPO said that no major incidents were recorded during the two-day celebration despite the city government refusing the request of the police to jam cellular phone signals in key areas for the Dinagyang activities.

"ICPO is proud to say that we have done something, we have achieved something, and we can do more when we unite and support each other," said ICPO chief Col. Joeresty Coronica.

Coronica said that the zero major incident over the weekend was the result of stringent security measures by law enforcement agencies and the cooperation of thousands of spectators who participated in the festival.

"We made history. Your support and cooperation are the keys. Dinagyang 2024 is a testament that with unity and preparation, any significant challenge and trial can be overcome, leading to success and achievement," he said.

A total of 8,607 personnel were deployed all over the city to help secure the Dinagyang Festival from government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office.

These security personnel were organized into task units, encompassing command and control, security and peacekeeping, emergency preparedness and response, as well as traffic management and public safety.

With its strict security measures, police authorities apprehended a 48-year-old man in Mandurriao district for possessing a firearm during the celebration.

The citywide gun ban, effective from January 19 to January 29, led to the arrest of alias Bobby from Barangay Balucuan Sigma, Capiz. He was found in possession of a caliber .45 firearm during a frisking conducted by village guards.

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