CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — As the Higalaay Festival 2024 celebration nears, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 and the Cagayan de Oro city government have intensified security measures to ensure order and public safety.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has detailed its security plans in a recent briefing with the Cagayan de Oro Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CDO-FilCCCII), the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MOFCCCII), and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORO CHAMBER).
Police Colonel Wilbur Salaguste, chief of the Regional Operations Division at PRO-10, confirmed that the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office has developed comprehensive security protocols. The city police, he said, requested additional police personnel to augment security forces during the event.
“Rest assured nga ang kapin 1,000 nga kapulisan diri sa city madugangan nato. In fact last year, nagdugang mi og more than 300 troopers. With the numerous activities planned for Higalaay Festival, labi na kay naay walo ka major events, we can enhance our support beyond last year’s level, depending on the event’s scale,” Salaguste said.
(Rest assured, the city police force of about 1,000 officers will be reinforced. Last year, we added over 300 officers. Given the number of activities planned this year, especially the eight main events, we may need to increase this number further based on the event’s scale.)
Formerly known as Kagay-an Festival, the Higalaay Festival is an annual celebration honoring the city’s patron saint, St. Augustine—held every August 28th which draws thousands of attendees.
On road safety, Engr. Nonito A. Oclarit, Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) department manager, announced a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate congestion during the city’s upcoming fiesta. These devised traffic routes will be shared on social media to guide motorists choose the best routes.
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 alerts the public to possible signal disruptions at certain times and locations during the Higalaay Festival as a security precaution. These disruptions are temporary and part of the overall security plan. In coordination with the city government, PRO-10 has thorough preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for all. (JAKA/PIA-10)
