The decision on a no signal shutdown during the “Dinagyang Festival 2024” on January 28, 2024 in Iloilo City is final.

The Iloilo City Council approved of a no-telecommunication-network signal shutdown in its session on January 24, 2024.

In a committee report of Iloilo City Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, he enumerated the effects of a signal shutdown to the economy, to emergency response, and public safety based on recorded experiences in 2023.

“The Iloilo Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also expressed that it is difficult for them to respond to emergencies during the period of signal shutdown. The business community also appealed for alternative for the proposed signal shutdown considering that it adversely affects their operations,” Cabaluna, chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, pointed out.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Iloilo City proposed of a signal jamming in select areas where crowds are expectedly thick. But in a public hearing spearheaded by the council, telecommunication companies (telcos) disclosed they do not have the capacity of a selective signal jamming.

Telcos pointed out that should the request of the PNP be considered, they would implement rather a signal shutdown. This has become the basis for the final decision on turning down the proposed signal shutdown.

“We implore the PNP to implement heightened intelligence operations, intensified border monitoring, and all other stringent and effective measures to ensure security, safety, and well-being of residents, tourists and guests in lieu of a signal shutdown,” Cabaluna added.

As soon as the decision was signed, the PNP is set to deploy over 2,500 police personnel beginning January 25, 2024 in response to the challenges in security and peace and order. 

“Mayroon tayong Plan B. Inihahanda na natin Ito. Na-anticipate na natin ang posibleng mangyari so wala naman, hindi naman kami na-surprise dito. Sanay na rin kami na may Plan B,” Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Iloilo City Police Office, said. 

Spectators are prohibited from bringing backpacks, suitcases, and other huge bags, Coronica added.