1,500 security forces to monitor Ati-atihan revelry

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19): 1,500 security forces to monitor Ati-atihan revelry

KALIBO, Aklan -- Authorities in Western Visayas have deployed around 1,495 policemen and soldiers to ensure zero major crime incidents during in this year’s week-long Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.

Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, Police Regional Director- Western Visayas, said here Thursday that the police would also stand guard against possible terrorism spill-off and illegal drugs.

Binag led the send-off ceremony of the second batch of police at the ABL Sports Complex here Thursday.

The send-off ceremony for the first batch was held last week at the Aklan Provincial Police Office.

The Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival, considered as the “Mother of Philippine Festival”, started January 10 and will culminate on January 21.

"The deployment is now completed but we will be adding more troops as necessary. We are following the Major Event Security Framework of the PNP (Philippine National Police)," Binag said.

The framework includes the deployment of police personnel in both the festivity area and in the borders. The deployment includes the non-uniformed personnel, K-9 units, explosives and ordnance team including the Special Weapon and Tactics.

The number also includes some 200 personnel coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

For his part, Kalibo Mayor William Lachica urged policemen not only to be vigilant but also to enjoy the revelry.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1022071