By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) will implement a temporary road closure along Hilado Street (L.N. Agustin Drive to Lopez Jaena Street) starting today until Saturday, June 6, for the city’s hosting of the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers.

In BTTMD’s advisory, the temporary road closure will start from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

All northbound vehicles from Burgos Street must take a left turn, then a right turn onto Yakal Street, and then take a left turn onto Lopez Jaena Street.

BTTMD urged the motorists to follow the designated rerouting plan and cooperate with traffic enforcers deployed in the area.

Police Captain Dax Santillan, Bacolod City Police Office spokesperson, said they deployed at least 369 personnel from June 1 to 7 to maintain the peace and order of the event.

He said policemen were deployed to various areas, including STI – West Negros University, Bacolod City Government Center, and various billeting areas.

Santillan also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to extend full cooperation with authorities by strictly observing security protocols, underscoring that public safety is a shared responsibility for a safe and successful 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers in the city.

Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier said the event would be participated by at least five Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

He said some delegations from Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines arrived in Bacolod yesterday morning.

The international event is a partnership between the city government, the Federation Internationale de Basketball, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Sports Commission./MAP, WDJ