Police forces of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, along with those from the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO), remained on full alert status for the Sandugo Festival which will be highlighted by the Sandugo Street Dancing Competition on Saturday afternoon.

According to Tagbilaran City Police chief Lt. Col. Christopher Navida, police personnel were placed on heightened alert during the start of the festival in July.  

“Naka full alert ating kapolisan doon sa nag-start tong Sandugo. Mapansin natin dito sa mga different activity within the area ng Tagbilaran and kahit ibang area ditto sa Bohol is talagang dineployan natin ng PNP personnel na magprovide ng security sa mga activities,” said Navida.

The BPPO has provided an augmentation force to assist the TCPS in implementing tight security measures in Tagbilaran City where most of the festival’s activities are being held including the Sandugo Street Dance Competition which is expected to draw thousands of people to the streets of the city.

The event will also be attended by the top provincial and municipal officials.

Navida said that more than 220 police personnel will be deployed during the competition which will be held along CPG avenue and the CPG Sport Complex and will start at 1:30 p.m.

“Actually kasama sila [military] isa sila sa mga agents na tinap ng government so kasama din sila. May sarili silang deployment on the part of the AFP,” he said.

The police chief reminded the public to refrain from bringing sharp objects and large backpacks.

“Iparating natin sana sa public na wag da sila magdala ng unnecessary to things dito sa loob ng complex kasi maantala lang ang kanilang pagpasok,” he added. (A. Doydora)