In a bold move to ensure safety, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) has vowed to protect thousands of attendees at two major overlapping events in March. The Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet, set for March 9 to 17, and the Regional Junior/Senior/Cadet Encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) from March 10 to 14, will see a significant police presence to keep the peace.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, the spokesperson for NOPPO, emphasized that despite the upcoming May 12 elections, there are sufficient officers to safeguard the visitors at various venues and accommodations. The CVIRAA is expected to draw around 3,000 athletes, coaches, and other delegation members, while the GSP event anticipates over 1,000 participants.
To bolster security, the Police Regional Office 7 in Cebu City is prepared to send additional personnel if necessary. The CVIRAA’s sporting events will take place in Bayawan City, with delegations staying in nearby towns like Sta. Catalina and Siaton. These delegations hail from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.
Meanwhile, the Girl Scout encampment will be hosted at Camp Lily Gamo in Sibulan town. Polinar assured that regular police operations, including static and mobile checkpoints, will continue uninterrupted, maintaining peace and order during the election period and these major events.