Stricter security measures are being finalized by law enforcement agencies in Aklan to ensure safety and security of Kalibo Ati-Atihan revelers and visitors this January.
Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, In. (Kasafi) volunteers spearheaded the Ati-Atihan security coordinating conference on November 26 to map out the security plans, rerouting of traffic and the comprehensive weeklong activities.
Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan regarded as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals” in honor and reverence to Senor Santo Nino de Kalibo will be held from January 6 until January 15.
Kasafi chairman Albert Menez said “the security plan will be consolidated by the police in consultation with stakeholders to address all security, peace and order, safety, traffic and deployment concerns for the upcoming Ati-Atihan.”
As part of the initial security plan, two staging areas of emergency response and medical teams along with personnel from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Army will be established near Kalibo Pastrana Park and Kalibo Magsaysay Park where the bulk of activities are held.
Fifteen police assistance centers will be manned also 24/7 by composite security teams for foot and mobile patrols in major streets of Kalibo. Checkpoints of uniformed personnel from the Philippine Army, Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) and Philippine National Police (PNP) will be set up in the towns of Banga, Kalibo and Numancia to thwart possible criminal activities.
Chief Inspector Terence Sta. Ana, chief of Kalibo police, said security volunteers including force multipliers from Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/K-9 teams and Philippine Army Reserve Command will be tapped to support the local police for traffic and security management.
Traffic rerouting will be implemented also starting January 9 to January 15 especially the stretch of Mabini Street for the festival street dancing, religious procession and merrymaking of tribes.
The public are likewise advised against bringing deadly weapons or firearms during the Ati-Atihan celebration.
Meanwhile, around 350 security augmentation officers from Police Regional Office (PRO) and municipal police stations in Aklan are expected to provide security for the festival.
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
No comments:
Post a Comment