ILOILO CITY -- Two were arrested by cops for carrying marijuana during the highlight of the 2023 Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo town, Aklan province on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15.
The Kalibo police identified the suspects as 48-year-old Glenn Reyes and 33-year-old Niño Dela Cruz, who are both residents of Andagao village.
The two were caught at a checkpoint located at the junction of 19 Martyrs and L. Barrios Streets.
The Ati-Atihan, dubbed as the ‘Mother of All Philippine Festivals,’ culminated Sunday afternoon with a street party.
It was in Reyes’ bag that the marijuana was found, which was inside a zip-lock plastic.
After the arrest was made, the two were taken to Kalibo Municipal Police Station. They will be charged for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
So far, law enforcement authorities have not recorded any major crimes.
Around 1,500 cops were deployed around Kalibo as part of the security measures for the return of the annual festival that honors the Santo Niño.