• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office reported zero major incidents during the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival, which ran from March 24 to March 30, in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
PCol. Rainier de Chavez, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, attributed the achievement to the comprehensive security measures implemented throughout the week.
A total of 1,063 security and emergency personnel were deployed by the Task Group Panaad, utilizing 17 patrol units, 20 motorcycles, four fire trucks, and ten ambulances, where the festival grounds were strategically divided into nine sectors, enabling effective crowd management and rapid incident response, de Chavez said in his report to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Their unwavering commitment and professionalism created a secure environment, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the festivities, he further said.
While there were no major security incidents, the task group recorded 215 minor medical emergencies.
De Chavez, however, said that on-site medical teams efficiently handled those situations, highlighting the importance of preparedness and rapid response.
He added that they identified several areas for improvement in the next Panaad sa Negros festivals, including enhanced CCTV surveillance and better prop management.
In his speech during the deactivation ceremony of Task Force Panaad, Lacson lauded them for a job well done.
Your presence has been instrumental in ensuring the safety, order and security of our people, throughout the duration of our beloved festival, the governor told the security forces and emergency personnel.
Lacson further stressed that the success of Panaad is not only measured by the vibrancy of the cultural showcase, or enthusiasm of the people, but also by the peace and security that “allowed us to celebrate without fear.”*
