Friday, February 08, 2008

Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2008 Crime Incidents Decrease To 50

Aklan Police Director Senior Supt Benigno B Durana Jr, described the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival “more peaceful and orderly compared to last year.” Crime statistics show that 75 crimes reported incidents decreased to only 50 or 70 percent this year. “The festival is more peaceful and orderly compared to last year’s celebration, except, for one victim due to mauling confrontation which was away from merrymaking venues,” Durana said during the Talakayan sa Isyu ng Pulis.
Police Supt Arnold Ardiente, the ground commander of the celebration reported, Ati-Atihan Festival was generally peaceful, although there were some reported incidents such as pick pocketing, snatching and commotions, but it did not affect the over all peace and order situation in the municipality of Kalibo. The augmentation personnel from different police provincial offices and local force multipliers helped a lot in securing the safety of the participants, visitors, dignitaries, foreign and local tourists during the festival.
The security of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival was intensified by deployment of 852 security forces and volunteers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army who contributed their part making the success of the grandest of festival.
The security had been tightened with the deployment of 124 policemen from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 in major streets for the traditional merrymaking and street dancing of participating tribes and devotees. Another 150 PNP personnel from Capiz Police Provincial Office and Antique Police Provincial Office arrived to augment the Ati-Atihan security forces in Aklan province.
A zero-vehicle policy by the Kalibo PNP was implemented on January 19 to 20 near the Kalibo Pastrana Park to facilitate smooth traffic flow. Security personnel also manned checkpoints and traffic enforcers stationed to strictly enforce the ‘zero-vehicle policy’ and traffic rules, Kalibo police chief Supt. Arnold Ardiente said. (POI Nida Gregas PIO-Aklan PPO)/MP

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