1,588 cops to secure Panagbenga 

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At least 1,588 policemen will be deployed during the Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga this year.

Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar said police would be more visible in bus terminals, malls, parks, markets and other places of convergence.

He said he ordered the Baguio City and Benguet police to coordinate with concerned local government units to assist in traffic management.

“Paghandaan natin ito kasi maraming bisitang darating. Tutulong tayo sa traffic management at sa pag-ensure ng seguridad ng ating mga kababayan,” Bazar said.

He said he also alerted the Benguet police on the expected spillover of tourists in nearby towns.The opening parade is set on Feb. 1, street dance and grand float parade on Feb. 25 and 26 and Session Road in Bloom from Feb. 27 to March 5.

Like most festivals, in-person celebration of the Panagbenga was canceled in the past two years due to the COVID pandemic.