Iloilo City Police Office Declares Peaceful Jaro Fiesta 2026 Celebration
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has officially reported a peaceful and incident-free observance of the Jaro Fiesta 2026, which centered around the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. This multi-day religious celebration in Iloilo City concluded without any major security incidents, thanks to a comprehensive security operation that spanned from February 1 to February 3, 2026.
Coordinated Security Efforts Ensure Public Safety
According to Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the officer in charge of ICPO, the success of the fiesta was a direct result of close coordination among various stakeholders. Law enforcement agencies worked hand-in-hand with the local government, church authorities, and the faithful community to maintain order throughout the festivities.
A total of 160 police personnel were strategically deployed across key locations to ensure public safety. These included:
- Churches and religious sites
- Procession routes and major thoroughfares
- Public convergence areas with large gatherings
Colonel Parilla expressed his gratitude, stating, "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community of faith, the residents of Jaro, and all stakeholders whose discipline and cooperation made this celebration peaceful and orderly. Above all, this proves once again that Iloilo City is truly the home of peace-loving people."
Continuous Monitoring and Proactive Measures
The City Tactical and Operations Center conducted continuous monitoring and assessment from the start to the end of the fiesta activities. This proactive approach allowed authorities to respond promptly to any potential security concerns.
The security deployment focused on several critical areas:
- Crowd management to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly movement
- Traffic control to mitigate congestion along roads affected by processions
- Visibility patrols to maintain a constant police presence
- Immediate response readiness to address any emergencies swiftly
Police personnel were stationed along procession routes, near churches, and in areas with significant public gatherings to ensure the smooth flow of activities. The visible police presence played a crucial role in maintaining calm conditions and facilitating the orderly conduct of religious rites and cultural events.
Community Cooperation and Shared Responsibility
ICPO emphasized that the successful security operation during the Jaro Fiesta 2026 highlights the shared responsibility between law enforcement and the public. Sustained cooperation among authorities, Church leaders, and residents remains essential for preserving peace and order during major city events.
The police office reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with all community sectors to ensure the safety and security of religious and cultural gatherings. This collaborative effort helps maintain Iloilo City's reputation as a peaceful and secure destination, especially during large-scale celebrations that attract thousands of devotees and visitors annually.
The overall assessment confirmed a generally peaceful and orderly observance of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, with no major fiesta-related incidents recorded. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of coordinated security planning and community engagement in safeguarding public events.
