PNP: Sto. Niño festivals generally peaceful

The celebrations of different Santo Niño festivals in Cebu, Aklan, and Manila were generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the security assessments of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City; Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan; and “Lakbayaw” in Tondo, Manila, “yielded positive outcomes."

“These events were generally peaceful, with no major incidents reported throughout the duration of the festivities,” said Acorda in a press conference.

Acorda attributed the peaceful conduct of the festivals to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the concerned communities for safety and security measures.

This is despite the riot between two drum and lyre bands during the Ati-atihan festival in Kalibo, in which several people were injured. 

The celebration of Sto. Niño festivals were halted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. — DVM, GMA Integrated News