BACOLOD City – Security is tight during the Panaad sa Negros Festival, according to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).
Now on its 25th year, the “festival of festivals” in Negros Island officially opens today and runs up until the 22nd.
The Nocppo appeals to the revelers to make the weeklong celebration “enjoyable and peaceful.”
Amid the festivity everyone is encouraged to be vigilant of any criminal activity, said Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Nocppo director.
The Panaad Park in Barangay Mansilingan is the main festival site.
Sharp objects like knives and ice picks, among others, are prohibited.
All permits to carry firearms outside of residence are suspended starting April 12 until the last day of the festival.
Police assistance desks/hubs and checkpoints are set up in strategic areas while police visibility and security patrols are intensified, said Castil.
Officers are giving out information and education materials on safety and crime prevention tips, he added.
Moreover, as part of security measures, telecommunication signals will be jammed during the Pageant and Coronation Night of Lin-ay sang Negros at the Panaad Park and Stadium on April 20, said Inspector Charmae De Paz, Nocppo public information officer.
“The signal jamming will cover the entire duration of the pageant, considered one of the highlights of the festival,” she said.
It will be temporary. Signals from all telecom networks will return after the event, said the Nocppo officer./PN
