7-day gun ban to be enforced in Negros Occidental for Panaad festival
BACOLOD CITY—A gun ban will be implemented in Negros Occidental and this city starting on Monday to help ensure the safety of participants and the public during the staging of the 28th Panaad sa Negros Festival.The permits to carry firearms outside of residence will be suspended in the province and in Bacolod City starting from 12:01 a.m. of April 15 up to 11:59 p.m. on April 21, according to Police Col. Rainerio de Chavez, police provincial director.
The weeklong festival, to be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan of this city, will kick off on Monday.
De Chavez said 500 police officers and additional force multipliers were deployed starting on Saturday to secure the festival site.
“Backpacks and deadly weapons will be prohibited at the festival site,” he said.
Local government and police authorities were also finalizing the rerouting plans to ease traffic in the city during the festival that showcases all the festivals and products of Negros Occidental.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena, Panaad sa Negros Festival director, said they would be providing more parking spaces in areas surrounding the stadium where local products would be showcased.
The festival will be participated in by the 31 towns and cities of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City. These local governments will open their “pavilions” to showcase the best that their localities have to offer at the Panaad Park.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the festival, which returned last year after a three-year hiatus, commemorates the province’s resilience. —CARLA P. GOMEZ INQ
