BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is aiming to achieve zero major crime incidents during the month-long celebration of the 46th MassKara 2025, despite the non-implementation of a gun ban.
BCPO Director PCol. Joeresty Coronica expressed to the media the desire of the security forces to achieve a peaceful and friendly festivity.
“Zero major crime incidents – that is our yardstick to say that these MassKara 2025 events are successful,” he said, citing that police forces and other security resources had already been deployed a day before the festival started.
This year’s MassKara festival will be celebrated without the implementation of a gun ban and signal jamming across the city.
Coronica said that they proposed to the city mayor the intent to implement a gun ban, but they received no response. He cited that their recommendation was intended to ensure that even licensed owners of firearms will be prohibited from carrying their guns during the event.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said recently during the press conference that the decision to not implement a gun ban was not directly his own but that of the whole Sanguniang Panlungsod.
“I consulted the SP, and most of them were keen to not implement the gun ban protocol during the festival,” he stressed.
Moreover, the police also strengthened their border control, particularly in Talisay, Bago, and Murcia, citing that it is essential for security measures during the major activities.
Authorities had imposed a stricter drone policy to ensure that all security protocols were applied. Coronica said that there must be coordination with the organizer and the BCPO before permitting certain individuals or groups to fly drones.
“Based on our coordination and agreement with the Gugma Foundation, we should not allow drones to be flown by anybody,” he explained.
A total of 1,984 security forces are roving the city. This is composed of police, traffic, rescue, and other agencies concerned and responsible for the safety and security of the biggest festivity held in the city.
Additional forces from neighboring regions will arrive in the city on October 16, in preparation for the highlights of the MassKara festival. (Richard Caballero Jr. via tvds)