Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO) will deploy 200 police personnel in this capital city for the Kabulakan Festival from May 17 to 24 to ensure public safety and secure participants in various events. Capt. Stephen Polinar, NOrPPO spokesperson, informed that most of the police personnel will come from the city police force, with assistance from other police units. According to Philippines News Agency, the Dumaguete City Police Station will be utilizing about 150 personnel, the tourist police will deploy around 20 personnel, and additional police officers have been requested from the two Provincial Mobile Force Companies. Other law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection, will also send their personnel, especially during the Dragonboat Race at the boulevard. The city has planned several highlights, including a half-marathon, food fest, and entertainment night at the boulevard, as well as the Kabulakan Festival street dancing and showdown at the Quezon Park. Polinar, who also heads the Provincial Tourist Police Unit, mentioned that they are expecting huge crowds, including residents and tourists, on these days. In addition, the police are intensifying their operations against illegal drugs following significant seizures of suspected shabu this month. They are anticipating an increase in the illegal drug trade this summer due to the influx of tourists coming to Negros Oriental and nearby Siquijor province. Polinar stated that this capital city is a trans-shipment point for illegal drugs intended for nearby areas like Siquijor and Dapitan in Mindanao. On May 13, police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives conducted a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Talay in this capital, arresting a high-value individual. Seized from the suspect were approximately 55 grams of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth PHP 374,000.