BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) will deploy a total of 1,102 security forces to ensure peace and order in this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival from April 15 to 21.

SECURITY forces for the Panaad sa Negros Festival starting on April 15 are deployed during a send-off ceremony at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) headquarters in Bacolod City on Saturday, April 13. (Photo courtesy of Richard Malihan/Capitol PIO)
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Police Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental police director, led their send-off ceremony at the Nocppo headquarters in Barangay Estefania here on Saturday, April 13.
They will be assigned to manage traffic congestion, control crowds, and provide security in each event.
Pastor Celino Villarete blessed the troops as well as the equipment and weapons to be used throughout the entire activity.
Police are backstopped by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other law enforcement units.
In his message, Lacson said that the success of last year’s festival, which was held after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, shows that the event has a very special place in the heart of every Negrense.
“This year, we have planned more activities for a larger celebration and anticipate a significant influx of people,” he said as he looks forward to thousands of Negrenses and tourists attending.
In addition to local government pavilions as attractions at the Panaad Park, Lacson said they have concerts and major contests that can draw a large crowd.
He stressed that they want festival-goers not only to be safe but also feel safe as well to enable them to truly enjoy what the provincial government has prepared.
Lacson said that this will significantly enhance the integrity of the festival.
He underscored the role of the law enforcers which is critical as a central element in maintaining peace and order, managing crowds, preparing for emergency, and ensuring public safety throughout the entire event.
“I understand how taxing your job can be especially in the heat of El Niño. For this, I am truly grateful to all of you,” Lacson said. He thanked the security forces for their unwavering support.