Dumaguete city: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) will deploy 477 uniformed personnel to secure the Buglasan Festival, which runs from Oct. 16 to 26. Lt. Stephen Polinar, NOrPPO spokesperson, stated that these officers will be positioned at various venues and key areas, coordinating with other law enforcement personnel. The deployment will comprise personnel from the provincial headquarters, police stations, provincial mobile force companies, and a 35-member team from the Regional Mobile Force Company.
According to Philippines News Agency, additional support will come from the Philippine Army, Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), though their final numbers are still pending. The police anticipate a significant turnout on Oct. 17, a declared province-wide official non-working holiday, with major events such as a street dancing competition, a grand showdown, and a civic-military parade in the capital.
Polinar emphasized that police assistance desks will be available, and checkpoints will be established to prevent illicit drugs and contraband from entering the festivities. For emergencies, residents can contact hotline numbers and 911. Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has yet to decide on sending additional forces, as it is also managing security for the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, which coincides with the Buglasan Festival.
