Massive Security Deployment Announced for Panaad Festival 2026
The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is gearing up for a major security operation ahead of the Panaad Festival 2026, with a formal sendoff ceremony scheduled for April 11, 2026, at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. This event marks the official commencement of security preparations for one of Negros Occidental's most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Leadership and Ceremony Details
The sendoff ceremony will be spearheaded by Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, the PRO-NIR director, alongside Colonel Dennis Wenceslao, director of the Negros Occidental Police Office (Nocppo), and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the ceremony will feature a presentation of force and resources, as well as a blessing of troops. This ritual symbolizes the full operational readiness and unified commitment of all involved units to ensure a safe festival environment.
Comprehensive Security Framework
Malong emphasized that the deployment will operate under a robust security framework built on three core pillars:
- Intelligence-driven operations to preempt potential threats.
- Heightened police visibility across festival venues.
- Strong coordination with local government units, force multipliers, and partner agencies.
This approach aims to facilitate efficient, coordinated, and seamless implementation of security measures throughout the event's duration from April 13 to 19, 2026.
Personnel and Asset Deployment
For the festival period, PRO-NIR will deploy at least 900 personnel, comprising:
- PNP officers from Nocppo and Bacolod City Police Office.
- Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection.
- Staff from the Provincial Health Office.
Additionally, the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division will ensure comprehensive coverage of key areas and swift response to any incidents. To enhance operational efficiency, more than 100 logistical assets will be utilized, including mobile vehicles, motorcycles, handheld radios, base radios, and man trucks, boosting mobility and coordination.
Public Assurance and Cooperation
Brigadier General Ibay reiterated PRO-NIR's steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and order, assuring the public of the organization's full readiness to address any security concerns. He also encouraged vigilance and full cooperation with authorities by strictly observing security protocols, highlighting that public safety is a shared responsibility for a successful Panaad Festival 2026.
With these measures in place, PRO-NIR has assured stakeholders that the festival will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner, anchored on strong partnerships and shared responsibility for community well-being.
