• The groups reminded the proponents of the summit that the Iloilo River does not need publicity; rather, it needs dedication

Publications that criticize the city government and the First Philippine International River Summit in the city will not be allowed to circulate in the summit's venue on May 30 to June 1.

This was revealed by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog during yesterday's press conference.

The mayor said that he got a text message from a friend, warning him of a possible embarrassment during the summit that will be held at the EON Centennial Convention Center.

Mabilog said the text message stated, "A publication will allegedly expose negative write ups about the city and the river summit."

The summit will be attended by high ranking officials, including President Benigno Aquino III as well as 86 foreign and 761 local and national delegates.

He also added that they will not allow any report that could ruin the perception of the delegates of the summit.

Meanwhile, Mabilog said that he will allow militant groups, specifically Bayan Muna to raise their concern during the summit.

He requested the group to write a letter with all their complaints so that he could formally address these at the summit.

Earlier, Bayan Muna and other cause-oriented groups held protests against the summit. They lamented that big establishments do not have water treatment facilities, thus they engage in improper waste disposal, thereby harming the river.

The groups also reminded the proponents of the summit that the Iloilo River does not need publicity; rather, it needs dedication.

SECURITY

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol Jr., Police Regional Office 6 director said that 1,000 policemen will be deployed to promote peace and order during the summit.

They will concentrate on different functional areas in the city, which include the airport, hotels, the roads and the venue.*