The city police are further tightening their watch this week as this capital city of Negros Oriental celebrates its 74th charter day and fiesta in honor of its patron saint on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Lt. Col. Joeson Parallag, city police chief, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that they have received augmentation personnel from the provincial police office and other police stations to secure the twin celebrations.

“Actually, we started deploying last Nov. 15 but we are further strengthening our security measures this week as we expect an influx of people coming for the Charter Day and fiesta celebrations,” Parallag said in mixed English and Cebuano.

The Pantawan People’s Park on Rizal Boulevard and the Quezon Park, the main venues for the fiesta activities, will be prioritized although other places of convergence, such as the Cathedral Church, bus terminals, seaport, and airport, will also be secured, he said.

On Sunday, scores joined the Aquathlon Race starting at the Pantawan People’s Park, in line with the Charter Day celebration.

Meanwhile, Parallag also noted an expected rise in the peddling of shabu amid the festivities.

He admitted, though, that the people behind the illegal drug trade have become smarter in their transactions.

“There are lesser face-to-face transactions nowadays as they are now done through online modes, such as through courier outlets,” he said.

The security plan for this year’s celebration runs through Nov. 27, he added. (PNA)