- GILBERT BAYORAN
A total of 680 security personnel from the different law enforcement agencies have been tasked to secure the Panaad sa Negros Festival site in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, said provincial police spokesman P/Capt. Judesses Catalogo.
The week-long enforcement of the gun ban also kicks off today until April 23, with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and senators Bong Go, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Francis Tolentino among the national personalities arriving for the festival opening ceremonies at 4 o’clock this afternoon, April 17.
P/Col. Leo Pamittan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, and festival director Cheryl Decena, who is also the provincial tourism officer, Saturday led the ceremonial sendoff of security personnel composed of NOCPPO, the Bacolod City Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Command, Aviation Security Group, Special Action Battalion 6, Bureau of Fire Protection, PNP Highway Patrol Group, and Explosives Ordnance Division, among others.
Decena, who represented Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is expected to return to work today, expressed her confidence on the success of the festival, citing the unwavering service and dedication of the security personnel to be deployed./GB
