By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) will implement a gun ban during the Panaad sa Negros Festival 2024.

A gun ban will be enforced from April 15 at 12:01 a.m. until April 21 at 11:59 p.m.

All issued permits to carry firearms outside of residence will also be suspended.

“We are asking our fellow Negrenses and visitors outside the province to abide by the rules set forth by the province. There will be consequences for those who violate this suspension,” NOCPPO spokesperson Colonel Abegael Donasco said.

More than 500 NOCPPO uniformed personnel will secure the much-anticipated Panaad sa Negros Festival.

Donasco said they are prepared to maintain a safe environment for festival-goers.

She also emphasized the importance of public cooperation for a smooth and incident-free celebration.

“We hope they cooperate through their actions, ensuring they do not cause any disturbances throughout the festival,” Donasco said in a statement.

The police personnel will secure festival sites, including the main venue, the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan.

The festival will showcase each local government unit’s pavilions and the products they are known for.

With the theme “Living the Promise,” the annual festival aims to present how Negrenses live up to their promises.

Panaad sa Negros, recognized as the Festival of All Festivals in Negros Occidental, features a captivating cultural show that highlights each local government unit’s best festivals, and showcases its rich history, arts, products, and tourism./JB, WDJ