Ati-atihan Festival competition today

KALIBO, AKLAN, Philippines - From the simplest to the complex details, all are ready for today's culminating and competition day of the weeklong Ati-atihan Festival in this capital town of Aklan, authorities said.

Considered as the mother of all Philippine festivals and fiestas, the Ati-Atihan has been dedicated to the Sto. Niño (Infant Jesus), who is known to generously bless his devotees with good health and prosperity. The 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan will feature a parade of competing tribal contingents in amazing colorful costumes.

Days before the celebration's highlight, Kalibo Mayor William Lachica had declared that preparations were all set for the spectacular Kalibo Ati-atihan, which is observed in the third week of January every year.

Even before the celebration, Lachica already foresaw the success of this year's Ati-atihan, as he cited the active support and cooperation of various organizations, particularly the Kasapi Foundation, cultural and civic organizations, the business sector, Sto. Niño religious groups and the municipal and barangay officials.

"It is heartening to note that the whole capital town's people are enthusiastically setting up preparations to welcome guests and tourists," the mayor said.

Aklan Police Provincial Office officer in-charge Supt. Samuel Nacion said the local police have been in full alert status since Monday. On Jan. 14, Friday, the APPO deployed to Kalibo the 830-strong security forces from the Regional Public Safety Battalion, Capiz, Iloilo and Antique Police, Aklan PNP, Philippine Army, Philippine National Red Cross, reservists, BPATs, volunteers, and Kalibo Auxiliary Police to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration.

Nacion said policemen would implement the 'Oplan Sita and Operation Kapkap' to all motorists, vehicles, buses, tricycles and suspicious-looking individuals passing through checkpoints and the nine Police Assistance Centers to ensure the safety of merrymakers and devotees of the festival.

"We are sending the signal that the police and other augmentation forces are on alert at all times during the festival. The police have tightened the security measures as the annual festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors," he said.

Nacion also reminded policemen at checkpoints to apprehend motorists without helmets and to maximize police visibility around festival venues in Kalibo Magsaysay Park, Goding Ramos Park and Kalibo Pastrana Park.

"The nine PACs stationed in strategic areas around Barangay Poblacion are on duty round the clock. Checkpoints in three municipalities leading to Kalibo has been set up with the Philippine Army's 12th Infantry Battalion personnel," Nacion said, adding that police personnel and a medical team are working on two shifts to ensure security, emergency and traffic assistance. (FREEMAN)