Security Plan for Ati-Atihan Festival

Atty. Clarence V. Guinto, Provincial Director of the Aklan Provincial Police Office disclosed to the officers and members of the Rotary Club of Kalibo the approved security plan for implementation during the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival on January 12 – 19. Atty. Guinto was the guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Kalibo on their weekly meeting.

According to Guinto, all the security requirements in the holding of the Ati-Atihan are included. Guinto disclosed the plan will need about 900 police officers and men who will need about P900,000.00 for food alone in five (5) days at P57 per meal. The plan will also require tables and chairs, and signages among others.

In his power point presentation, Guinto announced, the personnel augmentation will come from Capiz, Antique, Regional Police Office, Iloilo City and the Philippine Army. There will be series of briefings to be done among the security personnel regarding their functions. In the weeklong celebration, a nightly evaluation will be conducted concerning the events of the day. This nightly evaluation will be done on the second floor of the Kalibo police office at the corner of Rizal and XIX Martyrs Streets.

Meanwhile, Mr. Terence Toriano warns the national roads and highways commonly used by vehicles plying the Ro/Ro Bus Route are expected to be congested this coming 3rd week of January celebration in honor of Kalibo Sto. Niño de Calivo (Kalibo), the Ati-Atihan Festival.

According to Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, the congestion is unavoidable since one lane of the national highway, Roxas Avenue, is utilized during the Ati-Atihan Contest on January 17 and during the procession of the Sto. Niño on January 18.

In a meeting conducted by the Peace and Order Committee of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) on January 3, SSupt. Clarence Guinto presented the security and traffic plan for the festival including the temporary traffic routes.

Vehicles heading to the south direction of Aklan will pass by one lane of Roxas Avenue after exiting the Aklan Bridge, turn to Toting Reyes Street. Vehicles plying the north direction will pass by Toting Reyes Street, then turn to N. Roldan Street and turn left to Roxas Avenue, then enter the Aklan Bridge.

Although inconvenient for the riding public, the congestion may also give the passengers a chance to witness and enjoy the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival. /MP