At least 7,000 police personnel and force multipliers have been deployed to ensure peace and order in the Dinagyang Festival 2026.

A send-off ceremony was carried out afternoon on Wednesday, January 21.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, officer in charge of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), has reminded police personnel that the main objective of the deployment is to secure the festival grounds, judging areas, and party places.

“Yung mga area that we have noted na may mga crimes, we have to prioritize those areas na mayroong mga crimes na nangyayari even before the activities,” Parilla said.

Aside from visibility, the police will focus tightly on pedestrian screening areas and judging areas.

Knives and other bladed and sharp objects, guns, glasses, cans, bottles, luggage, bags such as backpacks are prohibited stringently.

Aside from the said objects and items, the ICPO has reminded the public that smoking and littering are also banned.

“To those who will join the festivities, we hope that they will cooperate and follow what are the restrictions. Ang mga ginagawa nating restrictions ay hindi para maging inconvenient but for the purpose of security sa lahat ng tao,” Parilla underscored.

Moreover, the ICPO reminded motorists to follow road closures in certain thoroughfares near the judging areas and major festival grounds on Friday, January 23.

Checkpoints at entry points in the city will be implemented further.

The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. is all set to accommodate the anticipated 50,000 tourists and guests who will partake in the celebration.

“So far, wala na tayong problema at ready na ang lahat,” said Judgee Peña, chairman of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.

Aside from performances during the Dinagyang Tribes Competition and “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, La Paz and Iloilo Sports Complex, spectators are expected to swarm the side events of the Dinagyang Festival 2026.