Police: No mobile phone jamming at Dinagyang weekend

There will be no jamming of mobile phones at the Dinagyang Festival in honor of the Santo Niño (Christ Child) this weekend, police in Western Visayas assured participants and guests.

 

Western Visayas police head Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol Jr. said they have not received information of threats that would warrant such a move, radio dzBB's Iloilo affiliate reported.

 

But Querol maintained that there are enough security measures in place for participants and guests at the Dinagyang, which is to peak this weekend.

 

Phone signal jamming in a religious event was first used this year in Manila's Quiapo district when millions attended the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

 

At the time, Malacañang claimed there was a possible terrorist plot on the Black Nazarene feast.

 

The Palace said it asked telecommunications companies to jam or block mobile phone signals at the route of the procession to prevent a bomb being detonated via mobile phone.

 

Mobile phone services in Manila and nearby areas were restored the next day, after the 22-hour procession ended.

 

Other security measures

 

Among the other security measures in place for Dinagyang are the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside residence from Jan. 15 to 25, and the enlisting of local military units to help police secure the Dinagyang activities.

 

The dzBB report said at least two people have been arrested for violating the gun ban.

 

On the other hand, the report said the Santo Niño de Cebu arrived in Iloilo City from Cebu City this week and is to be part of the fluvial parade. — RSJ, GMA News