276 cops secure PRISAA return in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has rolled out intensified security coverage for the National Private Schools Athletic Association Games, which will return to this city after 22 years.

A total of 276 personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office will be deployed from May 9 to 16 for the national sports event.

This year’s PRISAA Games, themed “Sustaining the Country’s Inclusive Grassroots Sports Program as a Pathway to the Olympics,” will be hosted by the Negros Occidental provincial government, with the Bacolod City government as co-host.

The hosting partnership was formalized last month.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said security personnel will be strategically deployed to ensure sufficient manpower and operational readiness in key areas.

Personnel will be assigned to billet security, playing venue security, covert security, convoy security, quick reaction teams, explosive ordnance disposal and K-9 units, and standby investigation teams.

Additional augmentation from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is expected to reinforce security operations.

PRO-NIR said it is working closely with local government units, event organizers, and partner agencies to ensure a unified, seamless, and coordinated security framework.

Preventive and proactive measures have been put in place to address potential threats, mitigate risks, and maintain peace and order throughout the event.

About 12,000 delegates, including athletes, coaches, and team officials from all 17 regions outside Metro Manila, are expected to join the sports event.

The delegates will be billeted in various public schools in the city.

Last year’s PRISAA Games were held in Tuguegarao City.

The opening ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Panaad Park and Stadium.

The host school is STI West Negros University, led by President Ryan Mark Molina, who also heads the National PRISAA Board.

The PRISAA Games will feature tertiary and secondary competitions in baseball for men and boys, softball for women and girls, football for men and boys, 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 basketball, beach volleyball, sepak takraw, volleyball, archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, billiards, chess, gymnastics, dancesport, karatedo, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, and weightlifting.

The Negros Occidental provincial government has allocated PHP 10 million for the sports event.