Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa commended the police force and its partner agencies in keeping peace and order during the celebration of Dinagyang Festival this year.

The police was able to achieve its target of “zero major incident” during the revelries, the highlight of which was celebrated on Sunday, January 26.

In an awarding ceremony at the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand, Gamboa extended his congratulations to the Security Task Group (STG) Dinagyang for a job well done.

He said the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) has followed a template that is also being implemented during big events such as Dinagyang.

“Our objective always is zero major incident and we have been very successful in this,” Gamboa said.

Recording “zero major incident” has spoken of how the PNP and other agencies have “prepared, executed, and made sacrifices in order to deliver the best” for Dinagyang.

Gamboa said the men and women of PRO-6 heeded the reminder of their director, Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, during the sendoff ceremony.

Pamuspusan told the police officers to leave a lasting impression through Dinagyang as those among them who were deployed to the streets are the reflection of the whole PNP organization.

“I am happy that you took by heart the reminders of General Pamuspusan during the sendoff ceremony last week. I was here the whole weekend and I have observed that you have been alert, confident, and had shown utmost courtesy to the merry-makers,” Gamboa said.

He encouraged the police to surpass the excellence they have shown in securing Dinagyang to their daily rendering of duties.

The partnership between the PNP and agencies including the Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agencies, also proved that securing big events is possible through a whole-of-nation approach, Gamboa said.

He said the police looks forward to future partnerships with other agencies.

The security forces deployed for Dinagyang comprised 707 organic personnel of the Iloilo City Police Office; 1,940 are augmentation personnel from PRO-6; 97 from the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army; and 134 from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Gamboa said the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. have aimed for an “upgraded” celebration of Dinagyang.

Since this city’s government aims for a yearly upgrade of the festival, he said the PNP will complement it also with upgraded security coverage.PNA

Photo by Arnold Almacen