CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo, Jan. 24- The Army's 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade, together with PNP Region VI and other Local Government units of Iloilo, sent-off security forces for Dinagyang Festival on January 23, 2020.

The send-off ceremony, held at Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City, was part of the preparation for Dinagyang Festival to ensure that the Ilonggos and other tourists will enjoy a safe, peaceful and meaningful festivity.

The ceremony was attended by Iloilo City mayor Jerry Trenas, Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda, Police Regional Office 6 director PBgen Rene Pamuspusan, 301Bde Commander Col Marion R Sison, and Iloilo City Director PCol Martin Defensor.

Last year, more than 200,000 people attended and witnessed the Dinagyang celebration. With this data, the Security sector commenced its preparation weeks before the festivity tapping all available security forces to include PNP, Philippine Army, Philippine Airforce, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coastguard, BFP, K9, and other volunteer (NGOs).

Col. Sison said that this is a collaborative efforts of all available forces that agreed to work hand-in-hand in order to form Dinagyang Security system.

"We have to tighten our watch since we are expecting influx of revelers," he said.

He said"We are asking the people's outmost cooperation and understanding while we are securing the festivity. They should expect checkpoints and heavy traffics in the implementation of our security system, but we must endure all of these inconveniences since threats may occur in an unexpected time and place. We cannot sacrifice safety over convenience." (JBG/Capt. Ruel S. Llanes/301IB CMO-PA)