POLICE secure the 2024 Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. (ICPO)
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has requested a 10-day gun ban and signal jamming as part of security measures for the 2026 Dinagyang Festival.
The ICPO under Police Col. Kim Legada has asked Mayor Raisa Treñas and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) to pass a resolution endorsing the gun ban and signal jamming.
Police proposed the temporary suspension of the Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFORs) from 12:01 a.m. Jan. 15 to 11:59 p.m. Jan. 25.
The ICPO also sought the endorsement of signal jamming in selected areas during the Jan. 25 highlight of the festival that honors the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).
“As of this time, we are waiting for the wisdom of the Iloilo City government,” said Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson.
The ICPO has yet to be informed if their requests were approved or rejected. These are needed to be submitted to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The proposed signal jamming was rejected in 2024 and 2025 due to the widespread negative impact when cell site signals were lost beyond Iloilo City and affected towns in Iloilo province and the island-province of Guimaras.