A gun ban will be enforced in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City from 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 15, to 11:59 p.m. on April 21, Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Police Provincial Director, said on Thursday.
The suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence is being imposed as part of the security measures for the 28th Panaad sa Negros Festival that is held annually at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
The weeklong festival will kick off on Monday.
De Chavez said 500 policemen and additional force multipliers will be sent off on Saturday to secure the festival site.
Backpacks and deadly weapons will be prohibited at the festival site, he said.
They are also be finalizing rerouting plans to ease traffic during the festival, de Chavez said.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena, Panaad sa Negros Festival director, said there will be more parking space at the site.
The festival will be participated in by the 31 towns and cities of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, who will open their pavilions to showcase the best that their localities have to offer at the Panaad Park.*