The 53rd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival successfully wrapped up on March 1, 2026, with no significant security issues reported by authorities. According to the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) and the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), an estimated crowd of 1,800 to 1,950 spectators attended the concert and awarding ceremony, marking a peaceful conclusion to the weeklong celebration.
Police Commend Public Cooperation for Orderly Event
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the officer-in-charge of Icpo, praised the public and partner agencies for their role in maintaining a safe environment throughout the festival, which ran from February 22 to March 1. He emphasized that the event's success highlighted the strong collaboration between law enforcement, local government units, and the Ilonggo community.
"The peaceful and successful conduct of the 53rd Paraw Regatta Festival is a testament to the strong partnership between law enforcement, local government units, and the Ilonggo community. We prepared extensively and remained proactive in our security measures to ensure that both residents and visitors could celebrate safely," Parilla stated.
Detailed Crowd Estimates and Security Measures
The closing ceremony was held at Tatoy’s Manokan in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo District. In its Situational Report No. 6, the EOC noted that the crowd remained orderly despite the festive atmosphere. The festival, recognized as Asia's oldest traditional sailing event, features a 30-kilometer race with Visayan double outrigger sailboats called paraws along the coasts of Panay and Guimaras.
Attendance figures were broken down as follows:
- 1,000 attendees at the food festival
- 600 at the awarding ceremony
- 500 at Pinta Tawo
- 350 at sports activities
To manage the event, a total of 742 personnel and 34 vehicles from various agencies, including the EOC, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Health Office (CHO), and volunteer groups, were deployed. The EOC maintained a blue alert status and conducted round-the-clock monitoring using drones and closed-circuit television cameras.
Medical and Logistical Support Ensured Safety
Medical teams provided immediate assistance to two patients: a 69-year-old woman who experienced a drowning incident and a 15-year-old girl with minor injuries. Both received prompt treatment on-site.
Search and rescue teams from the BFP and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) conducted coastal monitoring, while the Iloilo City Action Group (Icag) supplied backup water assets to the Philippine Coast Guard at Villa Beach. Logistics efforts included the installation of portalets and trash bins at Villa Baybay and the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Icpo personnel handled security coverage and traffic management through alternate routes and road closures. Organizers reinforced their commitment to a secure environment under the theme "Sailing Forward, Guided by Tradition."
