Mayor Leni Robredo has directed the Emergency Operations Center–Incident Management Team (EOC-IMT) to ensure the safety and security of Bar examinees, proctors, VIPs and guests within and around the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) throughout the three-day 2026 Bar Examinations.
Zero untoward incidents were recorded as the first day of the 2026 Bar Examinations concluded peacefully and orderly Sunday at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City, with security and emergency response agencies maintaining tight control around the examination venue.
The mayor instructed the EOC-IMT to ensure that medical assistance is provided expeditiously whenever needed and that swift and coordinated action is taken in case of any emergency, including a possible fire within the vicinity of the examination venue. She likewise directed the team to maintain cleanliness and orderliness along the UNC vicinity throughout the examination period.
An initial incident assessment issued by the Incident Management Team (IMT) at 5 p.m. Sunday said the day-long safety, security and traffic operations successfully maintained a safe and conducive environment for the Bar examinees, proctors, guests and the public.
Fire Chief Josephine Jeanette Barandon, who served as Incident Commander, led the operations carried out under the Incident Command System involving the Supreme Court, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Naga, Public Safety Office (PSO), City Health Office (CHO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and UNC security forces.
The IMT reported smooth examinee ingress and egress through the primary entry gates, with early drop-off operations managed without significant congestion along J. Hernandez Avenue.
Security forces also maintained fully manned outer and inner security rings around the campus. The assessment recorded no security breach, unauthorized entry or drone violation throughout the first day.
Bands and cheerers stationed outside the examination venue were likewise effectively managed through coordinated deployment and crowd-control measures, ensuring that activities outside the campus did not disrupt the examinations.
Traffic around the UNC campus remained generally smooth, which the IMT attributed partly to the normally low Sunday traffic volume.
A high volume of pedestrians, however, was observed around the closed perimeter along J. Hernandez Avenue, particularly those seeking clarification on access points.
Despite the increased pedestrian activity, authorities said the overall operation remained under control, allowing the examinations to proceed smoothly and without interruption.
The 2026 Bar Examinations are being conducted with security, traffic and emergency-response operations continuing for the remaining two examination days.
The IMT said the successful first-day operation reflected the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination in ensuring public safety and preserving an orderly and conducive environment for one of the country’s most important professional examinations. | via Jason B. Neola, head of CMO-Public Information Division