BAGUIO CITY – The grand opening of the Panagbenga Festival here on Wednesday, Feb. 1, was generally peaceful, police said.
City police chief Col. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. told Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar, Police Regional Office-Cordillera director, no untoward incident was reported during the event.
Bulwayan said a total of 1,797 policemen, force multipliers, student interns, and volunteers were deployed on the parade route on Session Road to ensure the safety and security of the public.
"We have also deployed civilian personnel who will watch out for pickpockets who will take advantage of the spectators," he said.
Reactionary forces, monitoring teams, and medical teams were strategically placed in various areas of convergence and transport terminals for the event.
Bazar assured continued police presence in Panagbenga activities, particularly the grand street dancing and flower float parade on Feb. 25 and 26 where thousands of tourists are expected to attend.