DUMAGUETE CITY – Joint security forces composed of more than 300 personnel are now deployed along the streets and at various venues here for the Buglasan Festival, amid a red alert status.
The combined security forces come from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection and the police. They are deployed in areas of engagements during the duration of the festival from Oct. 13 to 24, using drones and K-9 dogs from the PCG.
Troop deployment was held after a simple ceremony on Saturday at the Camp Francisco Fernandez in Agan-an, Sibulan, graced by Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) regional director, Chief Supt. Debold Sinas.
The police command in Negros Oriental was placed on red alert status starting Thursday, Oct. 10, in time for the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2019 election, and will continue until the end of Buglasan on Oct. 24.
Sinas said persons or groups who want to distrupt the proceedings and activities during the Buglasan Festival will be dealt with accordingly.
“Dili na uso ang warning sa pulis, kon magbinuang, magmaoy, makasala dakpon dayon kay kapoy na ng siging warning, (it’s no longer the trend in the PNP to give out warnings; if you are found violating the law, you will be arrested. It’s tiresome to keep on giving out warnings,” he said.
Sinas said the police is ready to quell any attempt to disrupt the Buglasan festivities, though he urged the public to also take part in the maintenance of peace and order by reporting the presence of suspicious characters at the different venues.
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) director Sr. Supt. Raul Tacaca also urged everyone not to bring backpacks, bladed weapons or pointed materials including umbrellas, and even jewelry to avoid falling victim to snatchers and pickpockets.
He said persons bringing backpacks in any venue will be asked by the task group security to open them and will be checked for any contraband items. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)
