PRO-NIR deploys 150 police for Sinulog security

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) deployed 150 police personnel to Cebu City on Wednesday to help bolster security for the Sinulog Festival.

The contingent is composed of 100 officers from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) and 50 from the Siquijor Police Provincial Office.

They will serve from Jan. 15 to 18 as part of heightened security operations for the annual religious and cultural celebration, which draws thousands of devotees and tourists to Cebu City.

A send-off ceremony was held at Norppo’s Maringal Hall at Camp Lt. Col. Francisco C. Fernandez Jr. in Barangay Agan-an, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

The ceremony was attended by National Police Commission–Negros Island Region Director Owen De Luna.

Police Col. Lito Patay, PRO-NIR deputy regional director for operations and Norppo officer in charge, urged the deployed personnel to remain alert, proactive and responsive in addressing security concerns, crowd control and emergency situations during the festivities.

PRO-NIR emphasized close coordination among police units to ensure public safety, noting that the deployment reflects the readiness and commitment of its personnel in securing one of the country’s largest religious and cultural events.

The regional office also assured the public that despite the augmentation for Sinulog, security operations across the NIR will remain sufficient and uninterrupted.