BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has activated a region-wide security plan to ensure public safety during the peak summer season, deploying more than 1,000 personnel under its “Ligtas Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) 2026” program.
Effective March 29 until May 31, the intensified security operations aim to provide a safe and secure environment for residents and tourists traveling across Negros Island during the holiday and vacation period.
Police forces are being augmented by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), airport police, other uniformed services, and community-based groups.
PRO-NIR said personnel have been strategically deployed in high-traffic and high-risk areas, including churches, major roads, transport terminals, malls, public markets, beaches, resorts, and other key tourist destinations.
The move is intended to boost police visibility, ensure faster emergency response, and improve crowd management amid the expected influx of travelers.
Brig. Gen. Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our communities and visitors is our foremost priority. Through the Ligtas SUMVAC 2026 deployment, we remain committed to maintaining peace and order and protecting lives and property,” Ibay said.
He added that the operation also focuses on emergency preparedness, public assistance, and raising awareness of safety protocols, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
With the coordinated multi-agency effort, PRO-NIR assured the public that authorities remain on full alert and ready to respond to emergencies, ensuring a safe, orderly, and enjoyable summer season across Negros Island.
Meanwhile, in line with the observance of Holy Week, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have been placed under Blue Alert status from April 1 to 6, 2026, to ensure heightened preparedness for any incidents.
The EOC also reminded the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report emergencies by dialing 911./PN
