By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched heightened security preparations for the upcoming National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) 2026, with hundreds of police personnel set to secure venues and delegates during the weeklong national sporting event in Bacolod City.

PRISAA 2026 is scheduled from May 9 to 15, and is expected to draw thousands of student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across the country.

In a statement, PRO-NIR said a total of 276 personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office have already been deployed to various security assignments to ensure public safety and operational readiness throughout the event.

Police personnel have been assigned to billet security, playing venue security, covert monitoring operations, convoy security, quick reaction teams, explosive ordnance disposal, and K9 units, as well as standby investigation teams.

Authorities said additional personnel from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office are also expected to augment security operations.

PRO-NIR said the deployment aims to strengthen coordination among law enforcement units and ensure immediate response capabilities in case of emergencies or security concerns during the national sports competition.

The regional police office is also coordinating closely with local government units, event organizers and other partner agencies to implement a unified security framework for the duration of PRISAA.

Officials said preventive and proactive security measures have been put in place to address potential threats and maintain peace and order in all event venues and billeting areas.

PRO-NIR emphasized that the intensified security operations reflect the police organization’s commitment to ensuring the safe and orderly conduct of the national athletic meet while supporting youth development and sportsmanship through a secure environment./CJ, WDJ