Iliganons celebrates fiesta 2017, pays tribute to Patron St. Michael the Arch Angel

 Jun Enriquez

Iligan City Patron St. Michael the Arch Angel in a procession of faiths from St. Michael's Cathedral go around the major streets in iligan City going back to the cathedral.

Iligan City – Part of the Catholicism history of the Philippines, Iliganons are known to be devoted to the Patron St. Michael the Arch Angel believed to be the soldier of God, the protector and Prince of peace. On September 29, 2017, the Iligan City and visiting parishioners lead by the Diocese of Iligan headed by Bishop Elinito Galido, hold the finale of the fiesta celebrations by conducting the kilometers-long procession of the Patron St. Michael the Arch Angel with thousands of parishioners coming from different places walked along the major streets in Iligan city from the St. Michael’s Cathedral Church go around the City and going back to the Church for almost 3 hours.

Mayor Celso Regencia (2nd front right) w/ City Councilor Huertas

Mayor Celso G. Regencia, in a radio interview said Iligan city Fiesta celebration will deliver a two face-message between the good and evil. Patron St. Michael the Arch Angel represents the good one and Lucifer represents evil. He said good will always prevail over evil. Mayor Regencia joined the procession of the faiths, He extended his thanks to the Police and Military including the force multipliers from the organized groups for providing security of the month-long fiesta celebration to maintain peace and order. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the people of Iligan City for their support especially on understanding the importance of the curfew hour as a deterrent to possible crimes is a big contribution for the successful and peaceful fiesta celebration in Iligan City.  

He said despite the conflict situation in the neighboring city of Marawi, the fiesta celebration in Iligan City was very peaceful. This is a manifestation of people in unity fighting against evil with the able help of St. Michael the Arch Angel.

Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, also a priest in St. Michael’s Cathedral is now on Sabatical leave for political reasons, extended his thanks to the power of prayers of the people with the help of St. Michael the Arch Angel for the protection and peaceful fiesta celebration of Iligan City. The Patron St. Michael is the protector and guardian of the people to make the place safe and peaceful Iligan city.

Col. Alex Aduca, Battalion Commander of the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion,Philippine Army based in Camp Pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City extended his thanks for the cooperation of the people and the government for a safe, secure and peaceful fiesta celebration of the St. Michael the Arch Angel of Iligan City. he said the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in cooperation with the 5^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and and 15^th infantry Battalion is providing proper security using the available resources to augment the Philippine National Police (PNP) and secure Iligan City in celebrating the half a month-long fiesta celebration from September 20 to October 2, was shortened by 2 weeks from previous celebrations. The most important activities are the “Pakanaog ni Senyor San Miguel”, Street dancing Parade, Procession of the faiths and “Pagpasaka ni Senyor San Miguel”

Aduca said security is the responsibility of everybody that’s why the community is also requested to help the military and Police through the force multiplier to secure Iligan city and has made possible response. Intelligence networks will involve the community to gather information and make reports to the Military or police whether it is true or not. Information gathering is a guidance of the security sector to provide appropriate security. Aduca said they cannot provide a soldier in every corner of the city or barangay to protect the people,.

Col. Alex Aduca, Phil Army

Aduca said the imposition of Martial law is a big help as a deterrent to the escalation of conflict in Marawi City and to suppress lawlessness and violence. The installation of checkpoints is a big help in preventing the plan of the criminals to create violence due to the visibility of the security forces to deny their attempt to conduct terroristic activities.

That’s why community is requested to help in at least gathering information at the minimum and report it to the police or Military to have a peaceful and secure community, Aduca added in a statement. With reports & photos by Bam Gimena and FB post.