By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) said they have wrapped up security preparations for the 24th Panaad sa Negros Festival, scheduled to open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
NOPPO acting deputy director for operations and overall event security supervisor, Police Superintendent Ervin Glenn Provido, said around 300 police personnel from NOPPO will be deployed during the opening ceremonies.
However, Provido refused to divulge the overall number of personnel who will oversee the security of the festival, although, he stated, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) will also deploy their personnel.
He added they are already coordinating with Police Station 7 (PS7) and Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) on how to handle traffic flow to the venue site, while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also deployed K-9 units.
Designated parking areas are also available for festival goers, along with car passes for event participants and organizers.
In light of the foiled terror plot in nearby Bohol island, Provido also assured there are currently no threats to the event.
He also advised festival goers to avoid carrying valuables when visiting and to also be aware of expected petty crimes, such as theft./WDJ