• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFORs) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, are still suspended until 11:59 p.m. of Oct. 25, the Police Provincial Office (PPO) said Oct. 20.
The Negros Oriental PPO said the PTCFOR suspension is in line with the ongoing Buglasan Festival security measures.
“Only uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) performing official duties are allowed to carry firearms during the effectivity of this suspension,” the NORPPO said in an advisory, adding the gun ban aims to ensure the safety and security of festivalgoers.
This year’s festivity kicked off Oct. 16 with an ecumenical sunrise service and the opening of the Buglasan Agri-booths Fair competition at Freedom Park in Dumaguete.
Activities for today, Oct. 21, include the vocal duet and balitaw competitions and party with the local bands. Tomorrow, the events include the Buglasan Lutong Ato showdown, inter-school hospitality skills competition, folk dance contest, and the Hara sa Negros Oriental talent and festival costumes contest, among others.
On Friday, the Buglasan dance sport and Hara sa Negros Oriental coronation will be held; a dragon boat exhibition match, push-bike contest, body-building, agri-booths fair final judging and music fest on Oct. 25; while the closing and awarding ceremonies, Terno designers’ competition and gala, and grand fireworks display will cap off the festival on Oct. 26.
The NOrPPO is urging the public’s full cooperation and to comply with the gun ban to ensure an orderly and peaceful Buglasan Festival.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region earlier said that 897 personnel were deployed to ensure maximum security coverage across key activity areas, to ensure police visibility, crowd control, traffic management, and rapid incident response during the Buglasan Festival.
Through coordinated efforts with government agencies and local stakeholders, PRO-NIR aims to create a safe, orderly, and culturally vibrant celebration for all, it added. | CGC
