SEND OFF. Over 9,000 strong forces deployed in the afternoon of Thursday (Jan. 25, 2024) are ready to ensure peace and order during the Dinagyang Festival 2024 highlights. Security measures are tightened instead of the signal shutdown requested by the Philippine National Police. (Contributed photo)
ILOILO CITY – Anti-drug operatives seized over PHP5.712 million worth of shabu and arrested four high-value individuals in two separate operations in the province and city of Iloilo believed to be for distribution this Dinagyang Festival.
The operation, led by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) in Brgy. Jibao-an in the municipality of Pavia, seized about 520 grams of shabu valued at PHP3.53 million and arrested suspects alias “Kano,” “Richard,” and “Jinggoy” around 12:32 a.m. Friday.
On Thursday night, a separate operation conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) yielded 320 grams of shabu worth over PHP2.17 million and apprehended alias “Tatang” at PHHC, Block 22 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor, the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), said the successful operation should serve as a warning to those who chose to engage in such illicit activities.
“Justice will prevail, and we will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the safety and security of the people of Western Visayas,” he said.
Suspects are in the custodial facility of the local police stations and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), and the PRO6 jointly deployed during a ceremony over 9,000 strong force consisting of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Task Force Seaport, and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Also augmenting the strong force are the team from the Explosives Ordnance Division and the K-9 team.
“It has been an effortful preparation for all of us, but we are gladdened by the fact that we are all given the chance to be part of this occasion. To all our personnel who will be on the streets during this series of activities, always bear in mind that our primary goal is to make sure that this Dinagyang Festival will be free from any major incident and that every individual’s experience of Dinagyang will not only be the merriest but the safest celebration,” ICPO Director Col. Joeresty Coronica said in his message during the sendoff held Thursday afternoon.
A simulation exercise with a bombing incident resulting in mass casualty due to a stampede was held on Friday to look into the response preparation of concerned government agencies. (PNA)
