By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) will implement a province-wide gun ban during the Panaad sa Negros Festival 2023.

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, said they will suspend all issued permits to carry firearms outside residences from April 17 at 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 23.

Catalogo said the gun ban was suggested by the festival committee to prevent firearm-related incidents and contraband entry.

He added that the gun ban would also assure the safety of high-profile guests attending the festival.

Earlier, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz confirmed that Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was one of the guests at Panaad sa Negros opening ceremonies.

Diaz is hoping that other invited officials will issue confirmations too.

For the festival preparations, Diaz said they will now hold a final briefing this week and check some of the “loose ends.”

“Basi may mga things kita nga na-overlook, so we may have to tie some of the loose ends so that seamless [and] smooth ang celebration ta sang festival,” Diaz said.

He also commented that the support of the local government units LGUs is “overwhelming.”

The Panaad sa Negros Festival is dubbed the “Festival of all Festivals” in the province.

All 31 participating LGUs will showcase the best they could offer in culture, sports, food, and tourism.

The event will also be held for the first time after the three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic./DGB, WDJ