BACOLOD City — Negros Island marked Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 with a peaceful and orderly observance, highlighted by a morning prayer and flower offering in Bacolod City, as police authorities reported no untoward incidents related to the commemoration across the region.
The peaceful observance reflected the cooperation of communities, local governments, security personnel and other stakeholders in ensuring that activities honoring the late senator and democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. proceeded safely, according to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
A total of 1,650 police personnel were deployed in strategic areas across Negros to maintain peace and order during the holiday.
Police visibility was increased through mobile, motorcycle and foot patrols, traffic assistance, checkpoints, border control operations, Regional Special Forces (RSF) deployment and other security measures.
The region’s main monitored activity was a prayer and flower offering held from 5:35 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Monument along Araneta Street in Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City.
About 40 members of the Federation of Urban Poor (FED-UP) People’s Organization-Negros Inc. participated in the commemoration.
Despite the significance of the occasion, the gathering remained peaceful, with no security or public-order concerns reported.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño commended the public for its discipline and cooperation, as well as police personnel, local government units, partner agencies, force multipliers and other stakeholders who helped ensure a safe observance.
“The peaceful observance of Ninoy Aquino Day demonstrates what can be achieved when police personnel, partner agencies, local governments, and the community work together with discipline and mutual respect,” Cardiño said.
He added that the police would remain vigilant while respecting the constitutional rights of Filipinos to peacefully express themselves and commemorate important moments in the country’s history.
“Our mission is clear: to keep Negros Island safe, peaceful, and secure through professional, responsive, and people-centered police service,” Cardiño said.
Ninoy Aquino Day is observed every August 21 as a special non-working holiday nationwide. It commemorates the assassination of Aquino at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983./PN
