200 cops secure Bacolaodiat Festival


BACOLOD CITY – Around 200 policemen have been deployed to secure this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.

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THE Bacolod City Police Office has 200 policemen to secure the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said that the city police force has enough personnel to ensure peace and order during the duration of the festivity.

They will be assigned to festival sites, including 5th to 13th Lacson Streets and the main festival site at the North Capitol Road.

The initial deployment started on Jan. 28 along the bustling Lacson St. where stages have been set up for the highlights of the festival on weekends.

Aside from the uniformed personnel, force multipliers have been tapped to key areas to strengthen crime prevention efforts, enhance police visibility, and provide assistance to residents and visitors.

To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, the Bacolod City Police Office, in close coordination with the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan.

The BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit will oversee road closures to accommodate the festival's main stage, food kiosks, activity hubs, and other exciting attractions.

These closures aim to provide a secure and enjoyable environment for festival-goers as the streets transform into places of cultural performances, food fairs, and other festivities. Motorists were encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and use alternative roads during this period.

Bacolaodiat Inc. and the local government thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as Bacolod celebrates the Lunar New Year with grand festivities.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod also assigned some personnel to the festival sites to augment security.

This year’s festival welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake officially opened at the SM City Bacolod Main Atrium  with a spirited celebration on Jan. 29.