Police report zero crime at Panagbenga 2026 opening

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, Feb. 1 — Police reported no crime incidents during the grand opening parade of the Panagbenga Festival 2026, as thousands of spectators lined Baguio’s main routes in an event authorities described as orderly and peaceful.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) said the absence of incidents within the designated activity area and official deployment period reflected close coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units and festival stakeholders.

The opening rites began at Panagbenga Park with a traditional ceremony honoring Cordilleran culture, followed by the Grand Opening Parade that moved smoothly toward the Melvin Jones Grandstand, where a formal program capped the launch of the month-long flower festival.

Police operations were led by Police Colonel Ledon D. Monte, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO-CAR), and Police Colonel Ruel D. Tagel, BCPO city director.

Both officials cited public discipline, police deployment and the support of force multipliers and partner agencies as key to the security outcome.

Congressman Mauricio Domogan, Chairman for Life of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc., expressed gratitude to police personnel and volunteers, saying their efforts helped sustain the festival’s reputation as one of the country’s most orderly celebrations.

PRO-CAR and BCPO said they would sustain heightened security measures throughout the festival to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.