BACOLOD CITY -- The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) will deploy a total of 509 security forces to secure the celebration of the 18th Bacolaodiat Festival here from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22.

A pre-deployment ceremony was held at the BCPO headquarters on Thursday, Jan. 19, as part of the security preparation for the said festivity.

At least 188 personnel will be assigned for security within the festival sites and venues, 76 for peace and order, particularly assigned outside the festival sites, 51 for emergency public response, five for administrative work, seven for the Red Team tasked to inspect the personnel, sites, and assess the security situation, 13 for the information action center tasked to oversee the situation, and 168 were force multipliers and other law enforcers.

These personnel will be under the supervision of Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, Bacolod City police director, who will lead this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival security.

Lt. Col. Sherlock Gabana, Bacolod City police’s spokesperson, said these personnel will be deployed to various festival sites which include the Yuan Thong Temple along Burgos street, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Megaworld’s The Upper East, and SM City Bacolod.

The festival will kick off with a grand parade on Jan. 20 from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the BCGC for the cultural show, fireworks display, and lighting ceremony.

There will be no signal jamming and gun ban during the festivity, according to Gabana.

Five contingents will participate in the Lantern Dance Competition to be staged at the BCGC and Megaworld’s The Upper East on Jan. 21. The champion will receive a cash prize amounting to P100,000.

Repeat performances from the top three lantern dance groups and the announcement of winners will be held at SM City Bacolod on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.

This year’s festivity highlights the Year of the Rabbit. The festival has returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.