Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Cops on alert vs drugs for Panaad By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan
THE entire police and military forces in the province of Bacolod and Negros Occidental are now on alert for the possible entry of illegal drugs in the city, reportedly meant for the Panaad sa Negros Festival from April 26 to May 3.
Intelligence report from the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently disclosed that a bulk of shabu shipment is now being monitored in various ports in the province.
But Negros Occidental Provincial Police Director Rosendo Franco said he has already instructed his men to keep watch over the three major ports in the province, like Escalante and San Carlos ports in the north, and Pulupandan harbor in the south.
As to the Bredco and Banago ports in Bacolod, Franco said: "It will be taken cared of by the Bacolod policemen with augmentation from other various agencies like PDEA, Bureau of Customs, Coastguards and Maritime Command."
Franco assured that no drugs or bombs could enter the Panaad site in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
"Like the previous Panaad, we want to ensure peace within the weeklong celebration," he stressed.
Panaad, a fiesta of Negros Occidental, is dubbed as the 'Festival of all Festivals' in the province, where 32 towns and cities converge for one cause - to say thank you for the year's harvest and bounty from God.
Panaad is highlighted via the showcase of festival dances of every town and city, search for Lin-ay sang Negros, and theme booth competitions, among others.
Security for sure would be put in place a week before the celebration begins, Franco assured, adding, "it will be composed of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and Army personnel and civilian volunteers."
As per the initial plan, he said there would be at least 300 strong policemen and soldiers who would compose the Panaad security group.
The 300 security personnel would be in uniform, while civilian volunteers would be in plain clothes, Franco said.
He said they would also use some K-9 dogs to help them detect drugs and bombs anywhere at the Panaad site or at anyone attending the daily activities.
"That's why we assure the public that as much as possible, we would make Panaad a drug-free or bomb-free event to make everyone happy and enjoy the entire week of festivity," Franco asserted.
