Security forces deployed for the 14th BacoLaodiat Festival were told to be strict at the activity areas, during their send-off ceremony at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds at Magsaysay Avenue in Bacolod City, yesterday.

With the bombings in Jolo, Sulu, strict implementation of frisking and checking of all vehicles and belongings of people coming in and out of the activity area, as well as traffic congestion, should be expected, Chief Insp. Lester Leada, BCPO acting chief of operations, said yesterday.

“We do not want complacency that could risk the security of all,” Leada said.

Part of those who were sent off yesterday were the 214-man augmentation force from Police Regional Office-6, aside from the organic personnel of the BCPO and the 249 augmentation cops who will conduct beat patrolling, Leada said.

Two teams from 303rd Infantry Brigade, members of Bureau of Fire Protection, traffic personnel, Highway Patrol Groupand at least 200 force multipliers were also deployed.

The personnel, equipment, vehicles, and the K-9 dogs were blessed yesterday.

Leada said the ultimate goal of terrorism is to create fear in the heads of the public, adding that if they are affected, then terrorism wins.

He also said the authorities are on top of the situation, and the BCPO already has an intelligence fusion with the army.

“So far, we have not received any threats of terrorism in Bacolod,” Leada said.

Simulation exercises on bombing and active shooting will be conducted any time this week.

This year’s BacoLaodiat Festival will kick off today and end Tuesday.*

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