The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office sent off 1,102 policemen and force multipliers to secure the Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City that kicks off Monday, April 15, and ends on April 21.
A gun ban will also be enforced in the entire Negros Occidental from 12:01 a.m. of April 15 to 11:59 p.m. of April 21, which means all permits to carry firearms outside of residence will be suspended.
The send-off ceremony was held at the NOCPPO Grandstand at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Brgy. Estefania, Bacolod City, on Saturday, April 13.
The sendoff was attended by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Negros Occidental police director Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Provincial Fire Marshall SSupt. Arnold Alba, and other provincial department heads and police personnel.
The 1,102 personnel will maintain peace and order, manage traffic congestion, control crowds, and provide security during the festival.
“In all these, the role of the PNP is critical as the central element in maintaining order, managing crowds, preparing for emergencies, and ensuring public safety throughout the entire event,” Lacson said.
“To our men and women in uniform, particularly the Task Group Panaad 2024, I understand how taxing your job can be, especially in the heat of El Niño. For this, I am truly grateful to all of you”, he said.*