KORONADAL CITY — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has placed its emergency response system on red alert and activated the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT) as authorities prepare for the influx of thousands of local and international visitors during the province’s twin celebrations this July.

Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. ordered the activation through Memorandum No. 4, placing the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) on red alert from 27 June until 5 p.m. on 20 July. The heightened security posture covers the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato and the 27th T’nalak Festival, two of the province’s largest annual events.

The red alert status ensures that emergency responders, medical teams, rescue units, and law enforcement agencies remain on heightened readiness to respond quickly to any public safety, medical, or emergency incidents throughout the festivities.

“While we want everyone to fully enjoy the festivities, our foremost priority is the safety and security of every resident and visitor,” Tamayo said in a statement.

Provincial officials said the move is intended to strengthen preparedness as large crowds are expected to gather for cultural presentations, trade fairs, concerts, sporting events, civic activities, and other festival highlights.

Complementing the governor’s directive, the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office convened a strategic security briefing in Barangay Morales to synchronize operational plans among participating agencies.

The meeting focused on traffic management, crowd control, emergency response coordination, and communication protocols to ensure seamless interagency operations before and during the celebrations.

Police, local government units, emergency responders, and other partner agencies are working together to implement security measures designed to maintain public order while facilitating the smooth flow of visitors and festival activities.

Authorities said they are aiming for a zero-incident celebration, with personnel positioned at key venues and along major road networks throughout the event period.

The T’nalak Festival, named after the handwoven cloth of the Tboli indigenous people, serves as South Cotabato’s premier cultural celebration, showcasing the province’s rich heritage, indigenous traditions, tourism, and economic opportunities. Combined with the province’s foundation anniversary, the festivities annually draw thousands of spectators, performers, tourists, and delegates from across the Philippines and abroad.

Provincial officials urged the public to cooperate with security personnel, follow traffic advisories, and observe safety protocols to help ensure that this year’s celebrations remain peaceful, orderly, and enjoyable for all participants.