509 security forces deployed for Bacolaodiat Festival

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) sent off a total of 509 security personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of the 18th Bacolaodiat Festival here from Jan. 20 to 22.

Earlier, the BCPO announced that it will initially deploy 100 policemen and 100 force multipliers for the festivity.

However, 309 personnel were added to the initial list during the pre-deployment ceremony held at the BCPO headquarters yesterday.

The deployment will be headed by one commander, 188 will be assigned for security, 76 for peace and order, 51 for emergency response, 168 were force multipliers and other volunteers, 13 for information action center, five for administrative, and seven for the Red Team.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana, BCPO’s public information officer, said that the personnel will be distributed to various festival sites which include the Yuan Thong Temple along Burgos street, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Megaworld’s The Upper East, and SM City Bacolod.

The festival returned after it was suspended for two years due to the pandemic. There will be no signal jamming and gun ban during the festivity, according to the police.

Five contingents will participate in the Lantern Dance Competition to be staged at the BCGC and Megaworld’s The Upper East on Jan. 21.

The participating lantern dance groups this year are Jojaju, Granadianz, Wild Rhythm, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis, and Choice Force. The champion will take home a P100,000 cash prize.

Repeat performances from the top three lantern dance groups and the announcement of winners will be held at SM City Bacolod on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.