ICPO eyes signal jamming, gun ban during Dinagyang celebration
By Mary Joy Cavañas
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) requests from the City Government the approval of temporary signal jamming during the major highlights of Dinagyang Festival 2026.
According to ICPO Spokesperson PMaj. Shella Mae Sangrines, they sent a letter request to the city government on November 18, 2025. The request was addressed to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated (IFFI) through its Executive Director Ms. Joyce Ann Clavecillas to facilitate the passage of a resolution for the temporary signal jamming of mobile phones in specific areas where the Dinagyang Festival’s major highlights will be held.
Sangrines added that they are still waiting for whatever the decision of the city government will be through the city council towards their request.
“We are doing this in order to ensure the safety of the general public, the Ilonggos, as well as our local and foreign visitors who will celebrate Dinagyang this year,” Sangrines said.
For a gun-free Dinagyang celebration, Sangrines also noted that the ICPO submitted a request to the city government, addressing it to IFFI to seek passage of another resolution. This resolution will request the chief of the Philippine National Police to declare a gun ban or suspend permit to carry firearms outside residence for a ten-day period from 12:01 AM on January 15 to 11:59 PM on January 25, 2026.
Sangrines noted that these initiatives are part of ICPO’s PNP Major Event Security Framework wherein it is a requirement, to ensure the safety and security of everyone in order to have a peaceful celebration of the Dinagyang Festival this year.
