250 policemen to augment Kalibo Ati-Atihan security

Around 250 personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will provide security to devotees, visitors and merrymakers for the forthcoming Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

Initial deployment of 100 personnel from the region will be on January 2, according to Aklan provincial deputy police director Superintendent Pedro Enriquez.

The rest of the contingent force will arrive before the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival officially kicks off its tourism and religious events. 

The “Mother of All Philippine Festivals” will be held from January 6, which culminates in the third Sunday on January 15.

Aside from the augmentation force, members of Philippine Army 12th Infantry Battalion, Army reservists and Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT) will be tapped also to provide security support to the festivities.

Enriquez said, “they will conduct their final security coordinating conference next week to fine tune the security plans of the Ati-Atihan festivals.”

On the other hand, at least 77 personnel from Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and municipal police stations in Aklan will be deployed also in the town of Kalibo for the festivities. 

Police assistance centers in strategic places and staging areas will be established near the festival venues to ensure the safety of the revelers and devotees.

Composite teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, police, Philippine Army and medical responders are also on standby to respond if needed. 

Meanwhile, uniformed police and military personnel will also intensify their round-the-clock security measures in checkpoints to thwart lawless elements.

Traffic rerouting for motorists and vehicles will be implemented also starting January 9 until January 15 to give way to festival events especially on major streets leading to Kalibo Pastrana Park and Kalibo Magsaysay Park.
 
Aside from Kalibo Ati-Atihan, the popular festival is also celebrated in Boracay Island on January 9 and in the towns of Malinao  on January 14 and Makato on January 15. 

The Ibajay Ati Municipal and Devotional Fiesta will be on January 22, Batan Ati-Atihan Malakara  Festival on January 15 and Altavas Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival on January 22 to pay homage to Senor Sto. Nino. 





BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL