Authorities are targeting for ‘zero casualty’ during the week-long Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan held from January 6 to 15.
This was learned from Aklan police deputy provincial director Superintendent Pedro Enriquez in the final security coordinating conference with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
Police is set to enforce stringent security measures as over 400 uniformed police and Philippine Army 12th Infantry personnel will be deployed in 16 police assistance centers to secure tourists and visitors.
Staging areas for policemen, emergency and rescue responders, fire fighters and tactical medical teams will be established also in strategic places in the main and secondary Ati-Atihan festival zones.
To achieve zero casualties in Ati-Atihan festival, Enriquez has encouraged the security forces their full cooperation and participation to implement the emergency preparedness and contingency plans in case of festival-related incidents.
Meanwhile, Kalibo police Chief Inspector Terence Paul Sta. Ana said at least 250 uniformed personnel from Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will be assigned in police assistance centers and checkpoints to augment the security forces starting January 9 until January 15.
Police auxiliary force will be deployed to assist motorists and in blockades leading to major Ati-Atihan events in festival venues.
On the other hand, authorities also planned to temporarily detained dead-drunkards sleeping in the streets or causing trouble in the festival in Bureau of Jail Management and Penology mobile jail cells.
Police said the carrying of glass-bottled drinks in festival zones are prohibited during the festivities. Bladed weapons and guns are also banned in the Ati-Atihan festival.
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
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