The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has tightened security to pad incidents of pickpocketing, duping, and similar modus during the highlights of Dinagyang Festival 2026.

Police are on continuous verification of the possible presence of pickpockets, or robbers, in Iloilo.

This after over 150 stolen cellphones were recovered by the authorities in Cebu City from a cellphone shop, some of which were stolen during the Sinulog Festival 2026.

In addition, a Japanese national fell victim to pickpocketing during the celebration of the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. The Japanese national lost P40,000 cash and credit cards.

In the staging of Dinagyang in 2025, 30 cellphones were recovered from a pickpocket identified to be from Tondo, Manila.

“We have already given that information to all intelligence unit for the verification and eventual arrest if ever there are really possible na nandito sila,” said Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer in charge of ICPO.

Among the steps taken by the authorities are the strict inspection of bags at entry points of each festival site, and the mounting of checkpoints.

“Mas mabuti kasi advantage sa security. Upang maiwasan ang gulo at ma-secure pati mga bisita,” Joan Antillon, a resident, said.

Personnel are also in charge of monitoring CCTV cameras at the Command Center of the Local Government Unit.

“Dapat maging mapagmatyag tayo and also sa mga tindahan or business na huwag sila basta ma-distract sa mga customer. Kailangan watchful sila at mindful kung sino ang tao sa paligid nila,” Parilla added.