BY JEN BAYLON

A total of 1,102 personnel, including security officers and force multipliers, were deployed to secure this year’s Panaad Sa Negros Festival from April 15 to 21.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) officer-in-charge Colonel Rainerio de Chavez led the send-off ceremony on Saturday, April 13.

Lacson, in his message, said the NOCPPO’s role in ensuring public safety during the Panaad Sa Negros Festival is critical as it anticipates an influx of festival-goers.

He added that they want the public to not only be safe but to “truly enjoy what we have prepared for them.”

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

The provincial government has prepared more activities for this year’s Panaad, including the Best of Festival Dances Competition after the opening ceremony today, the Lin-ay Sang Negros beauty pageant, and the Panaad Trade Fair.

Meanwhile, NOCPPO deputy director for operations Lt. Colonel Joem Malong said they have carefully prepared the security plan for the festival.

A province-wide gun ban will be implemented 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.

With the theme “Living the Promise,” Panaad Sa Negros Festival aims to present how Negrenses live up to their promises.

The festival will showcase the themed pavilions of each local government unit in Negros Occidental, and the products they are known for./JB, WDJ