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10 Jan 2024 | 07:15 AM UTC

Philippines: Tight security, transport disruptions certain at Dinagyang Festival events in Iloilo City through Jan. 28

Increased security, transport disruptions certain in Iloilo City, Philippines, during Dinagyang Festival through Jan. 28. Exercise caution.

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PHL

Authorities will tighten security in Iloilo City for parades and religious processions during the annual Dinagyang Festival through Jan. 28. The event is one of Philippines' biggest religious and cultural festivals in honor of Sto. Nino (Holy Child Jesus), held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City. The main events include:

  • 13:30 Jan. 12: Holy Mass at San Jose Placer Parish Church.

  • 15:00 Jan. 12: Opening Salvo of Dinagyang Festival at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. Several roads will remain closed 12:00-18:30, including Delgado, General Luna, JM Basa, and Muelle Loney Streets.

  • Jan. 13-14: 2nd Mayor Jerry P. Trenas Dinagyang Criterium Race at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. Several streets will remain closed from 06:00 Jan. 13, including the whole stretch of Muelle Loney Street, and parts of Blumentritt, Macario Peralta, and Zamora Street.

  • 13:00 Jan. 26: Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession, in which devotees will carry the image of Sto. Nino along Iloilo River.

  • 19:00 Jan. 27: Grand Religious Sadsad (merrymaking) at San Jose Placer Parish Church where participants will dance and sing to express their gratitude and devotion to the Sto. Nino.

  • 19:00 Jan. 28: The festival will conclude with a ceremony at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Smaller related performances will also occur at Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building, Mabini-Delgado Streets, and Quezon-Ledesma Streets. Additional unannounced gatherings and related restrictions may occur at other locations across the province. At least 70,000 participants will likely join the events within Iloilo City.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are certain through at least Jan. 28. Authorities will likely bolster security in Iloilo City, particularly at entry points to the city, as well as the Iloilo International Airport (ILO). Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will deploy at least 1,000 personnel to facilitate security measures. Authorities have announced a gun ban, and may utilize mobile phone signal jammers during events to facilitate security measures. Increased petty crime is possible during events. Large crowds will likely gather to view the processions. Increased congestion and demand for public transport are also probable as a large number of attendees will reach and leave the venues.

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. Heed all official advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security and any potential health checks.

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