BACOLOD City — The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has deployed additional police personnel to augment local security forces as the 30th Sinigayan Festival kicks off in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Around 130 security personnel were formally sent off during a ceremony on March 15 at the Sagay City Government Center. The event was led by Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva and NOCPPO provincial director Col. Dennis C. Wenceslao.
The deployment signals the full mobilization of police forces and force multipliers tasked to secure the city’s weeklong festivities scheduled from March 16 to 20.
According to Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, chief of police of the Sagay City Police Station, security personnel have been strategically assigned to key festival venues and activity areas across the city.
Of the total number of deployed personnel, about 50 policemen were sent by the provincial police office to reinforce the city’s police force.
Flores said the deployment reflects the strong partnership between the police and the local government in ensuring public safety during large-scale events.
“May this occasion strengthen our unity and remind our personnel that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Sagay and the local government stand behind them in their mission to serve and protect,” he said.
Cueva expressed gratitude to the police and security personnel for their continued commitment to ensuring the orderly conduct of the annual festival.
“Year in and year out, you are the ones who secure this celebration,” the mayor said. “As we celebrate from March 16 to 20, you are making sure that the Sinigayan Festival remains a peaceful and enjoyable event for everyone.”
Cueva also thanked Wenceslao and the provincial police office for their continued support in maintaining peace and order in the city.
For his part, Wenceslao emphasized that the Sinigayan Festival demonstrates the strong cooperation between law enforcement, the local government, and the community.
“Sinigayan is not only a celebration of culture and history. It also shows the unity of the community, the police, and the government in maintaining peace,” he said.
He added that successful security operations during major public events help strengthen public trust in the police.
“Service is not just work but a vocation for the sake of the people,” Wenceslao said, stressing that maintaining security during large gatherings requires strong collaboration between the police, the community, and local officials.
The deployment of additional police personnel aims to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
The festival will feature a series of cultural, religious, agricultural, and entertainment activities across the city.
This year, the city government adjusted the festival schedule to give prominence to the March 19 feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Sagay City, while the festival’s main highlights will be held on March 20./PN
