ILOILO CITY - At least 4,000 soldiers, police officers, and other security personnel will be deployed to key events of the 3-day Dinagyang Festival here, where at least 1 million people are expected to attend.

International security standards will be enforced for the festivities, authorities said. This level of security is similar to measures enforced during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, which the country hosted last year, local officials said.

The additional security forces are expected to be deployed to the fluvial procession and drum and bungle competition on Friday.

Increased security measures will also be implemented during the Kasadyahan Festival on Saturday and the Ati Tribe Competition on Sunday.

The City Government expects at least 1 million local and foreign tourists to witness and take part in the Dinagyang events.

The Dinagyang Festival started in 1968 when the image of Sto. Nino de Cebu was brought to Iloilo City by Augustinian priests.

Dinagyang comes from the word "dagyang," which means merrymaking.