Manila, April 10 -- Security forces and emergency responders in Negros Occidental are gearing up for the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival set from April 13 to 19.

This weekend, close to 900 police personnel will be deployed for the week-long festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium here while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Emergency Operations Center will go on blue alert.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will witness the send-off of troops and resources of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) led by director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, who is also the commander of Task Group Panaad 2026.

"With measures in place, the PRO-NIR assures the public that the Panaad Festival 2026 will be conduct...