More cops to secure devotees, tourists of Kalibo Ati-Atihan, says PNP
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - To ensure the security of revelers and devotees of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is implementing its security plans for the world famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival.
Aklan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. said some 461 policemen from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 will augment the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) for the festival.
"At least 200 local police from other police stations in the province and force multipliers are assigned in the Kalibo festival to boost security," he said during the Talakayan Sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) with the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps at Camp Pastor Martelino.
Bragais was joined by Aklan deputy police director Supt. Anthony Maghari, Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) police chief Supt. Rolando Vilar, Supt. Manuel Ilejay of the Provincial Crime Laboratory and the 17 chiefs of police of the province.
The police will also establish nine community police assistance centers in strategic areas and checkpoints during the weeklong festival. A dry-run of the security plans involving the rerouting of traffic will be held this week in preparation for the full implementation next week, Bragais said.

APPO also heightened its intelligence for criminal elements to secure thousands of foreigners and local tourists expected to grace the annual festivals in Kalibo and in the towns of Malinao, Malay, Altavas, Ibajay, Makato and the island of Boracay.

"We have enough personnel to bolster security preparations in these towns. The additional deployment from PRO-6 and provincial police offices from the neighboring provinces of will arrived not later than January 11. The security plans adopted by APPO for the festival will also be presented in the regional police office on January 6," the provincial director added.

Last year, the APPO was cited for its security preparedness that resulted to the peaceful and orderly celebration of the Kalibo festival.

Bragais said additional police personnel will be deployed in key areas of the town where revelers gather for the festivities of the Aklan's major festival, particularly at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park and Kalibo Pastrana Park.

The weeklong traditional Kalibo festival, which starts on January 11, is highlighted by a concelebrated pilgrim mass on January 17 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park followed by the religious street dancing of devotees and tribes.