PNP rolls out security measures for Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang Festivals

Over 12,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful celebration of three upcoming, highly-anticipated festivals – the Sinulog Festival 2026 in Cebu Cuty, the Ati-Atihan Festival 2026, and the Dinagyang Festival 2026 in Iloilo City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

“These festivals are about faith, culture, and unity. Our role is to make sure everyone can celebrate with peace of mind,” said PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement.

“Hindi lang ito pagbabantay. Nandito ang PNP para maglingkod, umalalay, at siguraduhing ligtas ang bawat deboto at mga bisita,” he added.

(This is not just about security. The PNP is here to serve, assist, and ensure that each devotee and visitor is safe.)

Nartatez said permits related to firearms and explosives will be suspended during the said festival periods.

Only uniformed personnel performing official duties from the PNP, AFP, and other authorized law enforcement agencies will be allowed to carry firearms.

“This is a preventive step. We ask for everyone’s cooperation so we can avoid untoward incidents and keep the celebration peaceful,” Nartatez said.

The PNP said over 6,500 law enforcement and emergency personnel have been deployed for the 461st Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival in Cebu City which kicked off on January 9 and will run until January 25.

This deployment includes 2,816 police officers from Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 in Central Visayas and support units from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy (PN), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Health (DOH), Cebu City Transportation Office, etc.

A mobile Command Vehicle was also activated to enhance real-time monitoring and faster coordination.

“With tools like the Command Vehicle, mas mabilis ang assessment at mas maayos ang response (we will have a faster assessment and more orderly response). This helps our commanders on the ground make timely decisions and keep situations under control,” Nartatez explained.

Meanwhile, 2,980 personnel will secure the Ati-atihan Festival from January 12 to 18. Another 3,078 personnel will be deployed for the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City on January 25.

Both festivals honor the Santo Niño and feature colorful dances, music, and community parades. The Dinagyang Festival also commemorates the historic pact between Malay settlers and the indigenous Ati people of Panay.

Nartatez added that security operations will remain proactive and community-oriented, with assistance desks, medical response teams, and crowd safety measures positioned in key areas. — JMA, GMA Integrated News