BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office said 1,859 security personnel have been deployed to secure the MassKara Festival here from October 11 to 27.

THE Bacolod City Police Office deploys on October 11 an initial contingent of security forces for this year’s MassKara Festival. (Glazyl Masculino)

They are composed of 1,199 policemen, 230 force multipliers, 100 rescue groups and personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and 330 from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The BCPO will also deploy 57 mobile patrol cars, three fire trucks, a truck, 51 motorcycles, five ambulances, 90 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) equipment, and 320 handheld radios.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Virgil Ibardolaza, Police Regional Office-6 pastoral officer, blessed troops and resources during a send-off ceremony at the BCPO headquarters on Thursday, October 10.

PRO-6 director Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, who leads the MassKara Security Task Group, said that only 25 percent of personnel were initially deployed as the bulk of the deployment will arrive during the highlight of the festival starting October 21.

Wanky said that red teams from the regional headquarters have been tasked to monitor the performance of the policemen assigned in festival sites and various areas.

He reminded contingents that the celebration is no ordinary festival and they play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety.

“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 said.

Wanky said that he has requested a gun ban from October 11 to 28 and they are currently assessing the possibility of jamming cellphone service. They are also awaiting intelligence validation regarding possible threats to this city. 

Wanky has also sought an executive order to ban the flying of drones in festival sites, except those operated by the police and other authorized units.

“It’s a security risk kasi pag walang control (if there is no control), baka mapasukan tayo in the guise of influencers (we might be infiltrated by people disguised as influencers),” Wanky said.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said that the event is not just about the deployment of personnel but a demonstration of their unwavering commitment to public safety and order.

“MassKara Festival has long been a symbol of Bacolod’s resilient spirit and unity, a time wherein the city opens its arms to thousands of visitors showcasing not only the vibrant culture but the strength of the communities,” Coronica said.

He acknowledged the critical role security forces play in safeguarding the much-anticipated event.

Coronica said that the presence of policemen ensures that locals and tourists can enjoy the festivities with confidence and that their safety is a top priority.

He assured zero crimes as security measures are intensified in festival sites. “This festival will be remembered not just for the vibrant celebration, but also peace and order,” he said.

Councilor Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Fire, National Disasters, and Calamities, who represented Mayor Albee Benitez, expressed trust and confidence on security forces in ensuring a peaceful and orderly MassKara Festival this year.

Also present in the ceremony were Councilor Jason Villarosa, festival director Katherine Matiling, and commanders of augmentation units.

This year, this city celebrates the Sapphire edition or the 45th year of the festival.