By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. doubled security in preparation for this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival, which will run from April 22 to 30.
The order came following the foiled terror plot by the Abu Sayyaf group in Bohol last week.
Marañon said they will be more vigilant than ever, as they are expecting a lot of visitors and participants during this year’s festival.
Meanwhile, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal said their security plan is in line with Australian and American travel advisories suggesting their citizens take extra precautions while traveling in the region.
A joint task group, headed by the governor, will conduct 24-hour monitoring.
“Although we are not covered by the travel advisory, we want to preempt any possible entry of suspected terrorists in the province, especially that we have open seas and we are near to Mindanao,” Sanogal pointed out.
Sanogal called on residents in coastal areas to immediately report presence of suspicious individuals to the authorities.
“We want to protect the general welfare of the public as well as investments and tourism, that’s why, through the Joint Task Group, 24-hour monitoring could be undertaken all over the province,” she said.
The governor also confirmed Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara will be one of the guests at this year’s festival, however, he will not be present for the opening ceremonies, but will attend the coronation night for the Lin-ay sang Negros pageant./WDJ