BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said on Monday, October 23, that the MassKara Festival here this year was generally peaceful.
POLICE Col. Noel Aliño (center), Bacolod City police director, checks the deployment of policemen in one of the festival sites during the 44th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City last week. (Photo courtesy of BCPO)
Police Lt. Col. Ronnie Brillo, administrative officer of the office of the BCPO director, said that no major incidents directly related to the festival were reported based on their assessment on security and peace and order situation from October 6 to 22.
Brillo said that the BCPO successfully maintained peace and order within its jurisdiction during the 44th edition of the festival.
The BCPO said that one of the factors that contributed to the peaceful celebration was crowd management in which the BCPO employed effective and efficient crowd control strategies to ensure the smooth flow of attendees, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate potential risks associated with large gatherings.
Increased police visibility in and around festival venues, as well as key areas throughout the city, and establishment of security checkpoints at entry and exit points of festival venues to screen individuals and detect prohibited items also helped maintain peace and order during the festivity.
Brillo said the BCPO closely collaborated and established communication channels with local government unit, agencies, festival organizers, and relevant stakeholders, to promptly address security concerns or emerging issues.
The BCPO also ensured preparedness for emergency situations by coordinating with other emergency response agencies, establishing rapid response plans, and implementing established protocols to promptly address any incident.
The full cooperation of the public was also pivotal in ensuring the success of the festival, as well as the safety and security of the people of Bacolod and tourists, according to the BCPO.
Brillo said the 1,000 augmentation personnel, which was part of the almost 3,000 security forces deployed for the festival, returned to their respective units in Iloilo on Monday, October 23, following the termination of the MassKara Site Task Group that day.