Prepping up Holy Week plans: NOCPPO finalizing security measures for Semana Santa, summer 

Posted by watchmen
March 15, 2023
Posted in HEADLINE

 

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office will deploy its personnel in the province's popular beach resorts as a large influx of holiday goers is also expected during the summer season. (Geovanni Fajardo / File photo)
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office will deploy its personnel in the province’s popular beach resorts as a large influx of holiday goers is also expected during the summer season. (Geovanni Fajardo / File photo)

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Security plans in Negros Occidental are being finalized for the upcoming Holy Week and summer season.

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) spokesperson, Captain Judesses Catalogo said usual Holy Week practices such as processions and the “Senakulo” are expected to return this year following the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols.

“Senakulo” is a live drama presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ held on Holy Thursday or Good Friday, on April 6 or 7 this year.

Among the cities in Negros Occidental the NOCPPO expects to conduct Senakulo are Cadiz, Talisay and La Carlota.

Meanwhile, Catalogo said they will deploy its personnel in the province’s places of worship and at the popular beach and mountain resorts as a large influx of holiday goers is also expected during the season.

Police Assistance Desks will be set up in the churches, as well as in resorts.

In response to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s concern that checkpoints may scare away foreign tourists, Catalogo said the operations by the provincial police are concentrated only in Hinoba-an town which borders Negros Oriental.

It can be recalled that NOCPPO intensified its security measures, particularly conducting checkpoints in the town following the massacre of nine people, including Governor Roel Degamo, in Negros Oriental’s Pamplona town earlier this month.

Earlier, the Negros Occidental provincial government launched the return of the Panaad sa Negros Festival from April 17 to 23 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan, following a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now on its 27th edition, the Panaad sa Negros, also dubbed as the “festival of all festivals,” is themed “The Promise Renewed.”

In a launching ceremony at the Capitol Lagoon and Park on Tuesday afternoon, March 14, Lacson said the Negrenses are extremely grateful they can gather to witness the event.

“This is the commemoration of our province’s resilience, perseverance, hope, and faith after all we went through for the past three years,” Lacson said.

Festival executive director, Cheryl Decena said the Panaad sa Negros will offer “a week of festivities, culture, arts and a showcase of the very best” of the province.

“It is three years in the making. We are fully committed to bringing you an event worthy of your time and attention,” Decena said.

All themed pavilions of the 32 cities and municipalities in the province will be showcased at the event.

“Panaad” is a Hiligaynon term for “vow.”/With a report from PNA / DGB, WDJ

 

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