Dinagyang 2026: Over 7,500 Law Enforcers Ensure Safety

ILOILO CITY—More than 7,500 law enforcers were deployed for the Jan. 24 to 25 highlights of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival in this city. “This is a moment of commitment. A moment when we collectively say to the people of Iloilo and to all our visitors: Dinagyang 2026 will be safe, peaceful, and worthy of its global reputation,” said Police Col. Wilbert Parilla, director of the Iloilo City Police (ICPO), at the deployment of security forces at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Also present were Mayor Raisa Treñas and Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) Chairman Judgee Lopez Peña. “I am appealing to everyone to cooperate with our police officers and force multipliers. Let us celebrate responsibly and respectfully. Please avoid unruly behavior, do not be hard-headed, and drink responsibly. In doing so, we help maintain a safe, joyful, and harmonious atmosphere throughout the festival,” said Treñas. Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, chief of the ICPO Public Information Office, said majority of personnel deployed were from the ICPO, augmented by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), the Police Regional Office-6, PRO-Negros Island Region (NIR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and force multipliers such as Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and criminology and maritime students. Authorities are closely coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo, and other groups.