Police in Baguio City have begun early security inspections ahead of the 30th Panagbenga Festival, as authorities move to ensure public safety and prepare for large crowds expected during the annual celebration.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), together with the Police Regional Office–Cordillera and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc., conducted a walkthrough inspection on Monday morning covering key areas from the Philippine National Railways site to Lower Session Road. Officials checked parade routes, roads and public spaces expected to draw heavy foot traffic.

The inspection also involved the Baguio City Fire Station, the City Engineering Office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, police said. Authorities said the activity aimed to identify potential hazards, improve traffic flow and ensure quick response to emergencies during the festivities.

BCPO spokesperson Police Major Marcy Grace Marron said a large police presence will be deployed during the festival.

“Itong BCPO personnel lang, magdi-deploy kami ng mga 1,000. Syempre, madadagdagan ’yun ng mga ibang force multiplier and ibang units,” Marron said.

Separately, the Tourist Police Unit warned visitors about a rise in accommodation scams, which often occur online ahead of major events. Police said scammers use fake listings for hotels and transient houses, offering prices that appear unusually low and asking for down payments to confirm reservations.

“Beware of accommodation scam. Mag-visit na lang po sila sa https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/ para doon nila makikita ’yung mga legitimate na mga accommodation,” Marron said.

Police advised tourists to avoid making online payments for suspicious transactions and to directly contact accommodation providers to verify bookings, as the city braces for an influx of visitors during the festival.

The Panagbenga Festival 2026 runs from February 1 to March 8, 2026, with the main events, the Street Dance Parade and Grand Floral Float Parade, scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026, respectively.

The month-long celebration kicks off with a Grand Opening Day Parade on February 1 and concludes with fireworks and closing ceremonies on March 8.