Pickpocketing incident at festival
ONLY one petty pickpocketing incident was reported during the 47th Lanzones Festival in Camiguin, according to the Police Regional Office 10 on Wednesday, as authorities monitored public safety during the province’s major annual celebration.
PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Police Regional Office 10 reported only one pickpocketing incident during the weeklong celebration of the Camiguin Lanzones Festival, which drew thousands of visitors to the island province.
Police said the incident occurred on 24 October at the Congressman Pedro Palarca Romualdo Sports Complex, where festival activities were being held.
The suspect was arrested, and the cellphone allegedly taken from the victim, valued at P8,000, was recovered and turned over to the Mambajao Municipal Police Station.
Police Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., regional director of PRO 10, said the festival was generally peaceful, crediting the security preparations and coordination among police personnel and other participating agencies.
The Lanzones Festival was held from 18 to 25 October in Mambajao, Camiguin, drawing an estimated 5,000 attendees.
A total of 252 personnel were deployed to maintain peace and order during the celebration. The contingent consisted of 169 police officers and 83 augmentation personnel.
Security coverage included the Grand Parade, street-dancing presentations, other dance performances, Rocktober Night, the Mutya sa Buahanan pageant and Kalanrakas sa Kabataan.
Police personnel were assigned to the various venues and activities to help ensure public safety and respond to incidents during the festivities.
Babagay said maintaining peace and order during large public gatherings requires cooperation between law enforcement and the public. He also reminded festivalgoers to remain vigilant, safeguard their belongings and report suspicious activity to authorities.
Police said the single reported pickpocketing incident was handled promptly, with the suspect arrested and the recovered cellphone turned over to the appropriate police station.