Philippines: Authorities increasing security in Iloilo City during Dinagyang Festival through Jan. 22

Event

Authorities are increasing security in Iloilo City for parades and religious processions during the annual Dinagyang Festival through Jan. 22. The main events include:

• Jan. 20: The Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession, in which devotees carry the image of Santo Nino (child Jesus) along Iloilo River, will start at 14:00 from Fort San Pedro and end at Muelle Loney Street.

• Jan. 21: The Festive Parade will begin at 13:00 at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. The Float Parade of Lights will also take place from 18:00, starting from Atria Park to Megaworld. Road closures will occur at parts of Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao District between from Taft North and San Rafael intersections.

• Jan. 22: The festival will conclude with a ceremony from 19:00 at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Street closures and significant traffic disruptions are likely in Iloilo City through Jan. 22. Large crowds will likely gather to view the processions; the festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of people in previous years.

Authorities will bolster security in Iloilo City, particularly at entry points to the city, as well as the Iloilo International Airport (ILO). Police will deploy around 2,000 officers to monitor the events. A ban on firearms will be in place through Jan. 23. Authorities may also intermittently suspend mobile phone services in the affected areas. Increased pickpocketing and petty theft are possible in crowded areas.

Advice

Confirm all hotel and other accommodation reservations due to high demand and possible overbooking. Consider avoiding central Iloilo City during main events unless participating in the festival. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and other valuables in crowded areas; carefully guard belongings at ILO, ferry terminals, and other transport centers. Prepare for severe transport disruptions in central Iloilo City.