• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A gun ban is now effect in Bacolod City, as 852 police officers, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection, and other force multipliers were deployed on April 12 at the festival sites of the Panaad sa Negros in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, to ensure the safety of the public throughout the celebration.
PCol. Dennis Wenceslao, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, PCol. Eugene Rebadomia, director of the Bacolod City Police Office, and PCol. Lito Patay, representing the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region, led the send-off ceremony for Task Group Panaad 2026 on Saturday at the Panaad Park and Stadium, which was attended by Festival director Charina Magallanes-Tan and representatives of the PCG and BFP.
The activity highlighted strong coordination, unity, and commitment among all agencies in maintaining peace, order, and public safety throughout the celebration, according to a statement issued by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
In line with heightened security measures, a temporary suspension of permits to carry firearms has been imposed across Bacolod City for the duration of the festival. It took effect from 12:01 a.m. of April 13 until 11:59 p.m. on April 19.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II assured the public that everything is in place.
“All mayors are ready. Wala man ga reklamo. Ready man ang tanan (There are no complaints. Everyone is ready),” Diaz said, adding that the provincial government remains committed to transparency in all preparations.
While some sectors may choose to scale down activities amid challenges, he added the provincial government must stand firm—because halting the festival would mean stalling the very lifeline of the local economy.
Diaz said thousands of Negrenses—from small food vendors to local entrepreneurs, tourism workers, and artisans—who depend on the festival for income and exposure, will benefit from the tourism, businesses, food, and other industries.
“This is their moment to display and showcase their products,” he added.
More than just a celebration, the Panaad Festival has become a symbol of hope and opportunity—especially in difficult times, Diaz further said.*
