By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Final security preparations are underway for the Bacolaodiat Festival 2023 from Jan. 19 to 22.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Colonel Joseph Thomas Martir, said in a radio interview they have security and deployment plans.
Martir said 110 BCPO cops helping oversee the security of the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City and the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan will be able to return in time for the Bacolaodiat Festival.
The BCPO also asked for an augmentation force from the Police Regional Office 6, Martir added.
There are two primary venues for the Bacolaodiat: The Upper East township and the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
Bacolaodiat – coined from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat” (a Chinese phrase for celebration) – is a joint Chinese New Year celebration of the city government and the local Chinese community./PN
