CAGAYAN de Oro City — More police personnel are being deployed to Iligan City as the monthlong Diyandi Festival draws crowds to 133 scheduled events this September. 

The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) placed Iligan under heightened alert throughout the festival to help keep residents, visitors and participants safe. 

PRO-10 Regional Director PBGen. Nestor Babagay Jr. said 91 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-10 and 58 newly assigned police personnel were deployed to the city. 

“We will augment 91 personnel from Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-10 and 58 newly assigned organic PNP personnel deployed to Iligan City,” Babagay said. 

The Philippine National Police is coordinating with the Iligan City government, Task Force Iligan and other security forces for the 125 minor and eight major events lined up for the celebration. 

The heightened security comes as Iligan hosts activities throughout September, with police expected to maintain visibility in event areas and respond to public safety concerns. 

Babagay said the additional personnel are part of PRO-10’s broader effort to strengthen police visibility and prevent crime during major public gatherings. 

The deployment is also in line with the new PRO-10 leadership’s intensified law enforcement campaign across Northern Mindanao. 

During its first 12 days under Babagay, PRO-10 reported 104 anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in 126 arrests and the seizure of 1,141 grams of suspected shabu valued at about P7.7 million. 

Police also reported operations against illegal mining, smuggling, loose firearms, illegal gambling and wanted persons during the same period. 

Babagay said police units will continue patrols, checkpoints and other area-specific operations while maintaining coordination with local governments and communities. 

For Iligan residents and festivalgoers, the police deployment is aimed at one basic goal: allowing the city’s major celebration to proceed safely and peacefully. 

“Crime prevention is a partnership between the police and the community,” Babagay said. (With a report from JAKA/PIA-10)