900 cops to secure 'Undas' in Negros Island
Bulgasan Festival peaceful, says Ibay
IBAY (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region will deploy around 900 personnel to maintain peace and order during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.
They are backed up by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and various volunteer groups.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said that comprehensive security and public safety operations have been activated to ensure a safe and orderly Undas – establishment of police assistance desks (PADs), deployment of road safety marshals, conduct of checkpoints and visibility patrols, and activation of assistance hubs on major highways and public areas to aid the elderly, persons with disabilities, and travelers.
From Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, personnel will be stationed in 186 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria, as well as 23 bus terminals, three airports, and 20 seaports.
A total of 226 police assistance desks and 56 motorists’ assistance centers will be set up to help ensure public safety.
Ibay reminded personnel to observe maximum tolerance, respect human rights in all interactions, and strictly follow PNP operational procedures.
He urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by following security protocols and reporting any suspicious activities or unattended items to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Ibay said no crime incidents were reported in festival venues of the 11-day Buglasan Festival in Negros Oriental.
Authorities attributed the peaceful celebration from Oct. 16 to 26 to heightened police visibility, efficient crowd management, and strong coordination among security forces and partner agencies.
Ibay commended Police Col. Criscente Tiguelo of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office and all security personnel for their professionalism and dedication in maintaining public safety throughout the event.
Around 1,081 personnel were deployed across major festival areas, including parade routes, entertainment zones, transport terminals, and lodging establishments.
He thanked the provincial government, partner agencies, and the public for their cooperation and vigilance.