- GILBERT BAYORAN
The wearing of face masks during the Panaad sa Negros Festival celebration on April 17 to 23 is optional, Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said.
Diaz said that Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson did not issue any order for festival revelers, who will troop to the Panaad site in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, to wear face masks.
Diaz made the statement in the wake of an order issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas that requires all those transacting at the Iloilo City Hall to wear face masks.
Diaz reported that Negros Occidental logged five COVID-19 cases at the Cadiz District Hospital, which he said cannot be considered alarming.
He also confirmed the attendance of Senator Bong Go during the opening of the festival on April 17, aside from Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Senator Francis Tolentino.
The Philippine National Police will enforce a gun ban for the duration of the Panaad sa Negros Festival, as confirmed by provincial police spokesman, P/Capt. Judesses Catalogo.
Only members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Police, and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry guns, provided that they are in uniform.
Diaz welcomed the enforcement of the gun ban./GB
