Tight security for Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival – PNP
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Close to 250 police personnel from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed for this year’s Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

Aklan provincial police director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. has requested the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) for additional police force to implement the operation plans for tight security during the festival.
Bragais said the APPO will establish nine community police assistance centers (compacts) in the capital town of Kalibo to ensure the safety and security of tourists, devotees and revelers and keep the traffic flow smooth throughout the main streets of this town.
APPO will also put up additional checkpoints and chokepoints to maintain police visibility during the weeklong Ati-Atihan festival.
Bragais stressed that the augmentation force from the PRO-6 and the Philippine Army and the 200-strong APPO personnel deployed will be on alert to guard thousands of visitors, both foreign and local, expected to join the renowned Ati-Atihan festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino.

Also, the Kalibo police auxiliary, volunteers, reservists and communication groups served as force multipliers for the anti-criminality and peace and order campaign of the PNP.

The festival, slated on January 10 to 16, features the traditional Ati-Atihan contest, paepak or pahilot, search for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights, Day of the Drums, religious procession, nine days novena, pilgrims' mass, product showcase and exhibits, blessing of children and dawn penitential procession, Higante and Aklan Festivals Parade and Kaean-an sa Plaza.