ILOILO CITY, Dec. 15 -- The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is ready for the start of the Simbang Gabi that coincides with the "Pamukaw" of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival on Tuesday.

In a media interview on Monday, ICPO director Col. Kim Legada said they will be deploying patrollers in Catholic churches, despite not having recorded any untoward incidents during past celebrations.

Legada said local police units have activated Police Assistance Desks (PADs) in churches and key areas, enhanced their intelligence monitoring, and mobilized force multipliers to help maintain peace and security.

He said all police units have been directed to strengthen security operations, ensure orderly traffic flow, and maintain close coordination with church...