Bacolod City – A contingent of nearly 1,900 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of Bacolod City during the highly anticipated MassKara Festival.
The security force includes 1,199 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), 330 from other agencies, 230 from force multipliers, and 100 from rescue groups and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
Police Regional Office 6 Director, PBGen. Jack Wanky, reminded his forces that the celebration is no ordinary festival, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety.
Twenty-five percent of the augmentation forces were already deployed during a send-off ceremony on October 10, with the remaining personnel scheduled to arrive on October 21.
“In anticipation of challenging days, we view the annual celebration of the MassKara Festival as a meaningful opportunity to highlight our commitment to peace, order, and security,” Wanky stated.
He also noted that a request for a gun ban in Bacolod City from October 11 to 28 has been submitted.
The PNP is currently assessing the potential for signal jamming and is awaiting intelligence validation regarding any threats to the city. Additionally, they have requested an executive order to ban drone flying at festival sites during this year’s MassKara Festival, except for those operated by the PNP and the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation.
BCPO Director, Col. Joeresty Coronica, assures a “zero crime” incident as security measures are intensified at festival sites, from the Grand Countdown Salubong at the Bacolod City Government Center to the much-anticipated street dancing and arena dance competition on October 27 at the Paglaum Sports Complex.
Joining the sendoff ceremony were President and Festival Director for Finance, Admin, Concerts, Events and Fair Katherine Matiling, Councilor Psyche Marie Sy and Councilor Jason Villarosa. (News by BYF via The Visayan Daily Star)