BACOLOD CITY --The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) announced on Friday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce an 11-day firearms ban during the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival next month.
The suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence will take effect in Barangay Mansilingan in this city, where the Panaad Park and Stadium is located — site of the annual festival.
This year, the nine-day festival will run from April 14 to 22, but the gun ban will already be enforced starting April 12, or two days before the start of the festival.
The Negros Occidental police said only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies, who are performing official duties in proper agency-prescribed uniforms, will be allowed to carry firearms during the festival.
“This is part of the security preparation to ensure that the festival would be free from firearm-related incidents and safe for the populace as well as local and foreign tourists,” the police added.
The festival’s Silver edition is themed “Panaad @ 25: The Promise Fulfilled”.
Dubbed the “Festival of all Festivals,” it is participated by all 19 towns and 13 cities of Negros Occidental, including its capital Bacolod City.
Panaad sa Negros Festival, which was elevated to the Pearl Awards Hall of Fame last October 2017 after topping the Best Tourism Event – Provincial Festival category for three straight years, showcases the distinctive Negrense skills, talents and creativity in every unique theme pavilions of the participating local government units.
Ma. Lina Sanogal, Provincial Planning and Development Officer and festival executive director, said the recognition is expected to further bring in more tourists to Negros Occidental. (PNA)
