POLICE deployed to secure the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games in Bacolod City from May 9 to 15. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has deployed 276 lawmen from the Bacolod City Police Office to secure the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games here from May 9 to 15.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said they will be assigned to venue and billet security, covert monitoring, convoy protection, quick reaction teams, EOD/K9 units, and investigative support.
Reinforcements from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office are also expected.
This year’s PRISAA with the theme “Sustaining the Country’s Inclusive Grassroots Sports Program as a Pathway to the Olympics” is hosted by the Negros Occidental provincial government with the Bacolod city government as co-host.
Around 12,000 delegates – athletes, coaches, and officials from 17 regions – are participating. They are staying in various public schools throughout the city.
The opening ceremony is scheduled at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.
The event is led by STI West Negros University headed by president Ryan Mark Molina, chairman of the national PRISAA board.
Athletes from high school and college are competing in basketball, football, volleyball, athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, and weightlifting.
The provincial government has allocated P10 million for the event.
The city government has extended P1-million financial assistance and comprehensive logistical support, including transportation, playing venues, billeting areas, traffic management, and security augmentation for athletes, officials, and games.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said that they have finalized their preparations for the event.
“Our hope is that this event will provide a significant boost to our local vendors, transport sector, and small businesses, while bringing the national stage closer to our homegrown athletes,” Gasataya said in a statement.
Gasataya said that providing a home for the National PRISAA Games 2026 is part of their commitment to establish this city as a premier center for sports development and promoting sports tourism here.