• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The gun ban is now effect in Bacolod City as 852 police officers, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection, and other force multipliers were deployed at the festival sites of the Panaad sa Negros Festival in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City over the weekend.
The 30th edition of Negros Occidental’s “festival of all festivals” kicks off Monday, April 13 and will run until Sunday, April 19.
PCol. Dennis Wenceslao, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; PCol. Eugene Rebadomia, director of Bacolod City Police Office; and PCol. Lito Patay, representing the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region, led the send-off ceremony for Task Group Panaad 2026 at the the Panaad Park and Stadium.
Festival director Charina Magallanes-Tan, and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection witnessed the send-off.
The activity highlighted strong coordination, unity, and commitment among all agencies in maintaining peace, order, and public safety throughout the celebration, the police said.
In line with heightened security measures, a temporary suspension of permits to carry firearms has been imposed across Bacolod City for the duration of the festival.
It took effect 12:01 a.m. of April 13 until 11:59 p.m. on April 19.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II assured the public that everything is in place.
“All mayors are ready. Wala man ga reklamo. Ready man ang tanan (There is no complaint. All are ready),” Diaz said, adding that the provincial government remains committed to transparency in all preparations.
While some sectors may choose to scale down activities amid challenges, he noted that the provincial government must stand firm because halting the festival would mean stalling the very lifeline of the local economy.
Diaz said thousands of Negrenses — from small food vendors to local entrepreneurs, tourism workers, and artisans — who depend on the festival for income and exposure will benefit from the tourism, businesses, food, and other industries.
“This is their moment to display and showcase their products,” he added.
“More than just a celebration, the Panaad Festival has become a symbol of hope and opportunity—especially in difficult times,” Diaz further said. | GB
