KALIBO, Aklan — Concerned that the recent Marawi terrorism and threat from New People’s Army may spill over during the Ati-atihan Festival here, event organizers are stepping up their security plans.
The Kalibo Sto.Nino Ati-atihan Festival Incorporated (KASAFI) on Thursday emphasized security and preparedness as primary importance for the holding of the “Mother of Philippine Festivals” on January 15 to 21, 2018.
Albert Menez, KASAFI chairman, said he is currently in talks with the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) and the Kalibo Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office.
“I have been told by the intelligence officials that the recent Marawi terrorism and the threat from the New People’s Army may spill over during the Ati-atihan. Although there was no intelligence report indicating that the Ati-atihan is a target, we need to be sure,” said Menez.
It was gathered that the APPO has already requested for an augmentation from the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas based in Iloilo.
The organizers vowed that the tight security will not hamper the fun activities during the festival.
“We do promise a more colorful and exciting activities for the Ati-atihan revelry in January,” said Menez. (Jun Aguirre/PNA)