BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez has issued an executive order limiting the selling and consumption of liquor in the 45th MassKara Festival here this year.
POLICE secure the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) during a MassKara Festival event. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)
Benitez signed Executive Order (EO) No. 54 stating that selling and drinking of liquor in festival sites will only be allowed until 3 a.m.
He said that selling of liquor to persons below 18-years-old is strictly prohibited, pursuant to City Ordinance No. 450, Series of 2007, which amended City Ordinance No. 1251, Series of 1979.
“This is just to ensure more regulations in festival sites to prevent untoward incidents,” the mayor said in a press briefing on Monday, October 14.
The EO also banned the carrying of deadly weapons or similar instruments outside of residence or workplace pursuant to City Ordinance No. 358, Series of 2004.
Other prohibitions inside festival sites include pointed barbeque sticks and other bladed weapons (except by the chef of kiosks for culinary purposes), use of backpacks, carrying bottled soft drinks and alcoholic drinks while roaming around or inside the festival area, pranks or jokes that can cause mass panic or stampede, lighting of firecrackers (except authorized by the organizer or city), and littering.
The EO applies to all businesses operating within the official festival sites, including but not limited to food stalls, retail vendors, and service-oriented establishments, and all festival goers and visitors.
In anticipation of an influx of local and international tourists joining the festivities, Benitez said ordinances will strictly be implemented to ensure the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the MassKara Festival.
Regular inspections will be conducted throughout the festival to ensure compliance.
Benitez said a 17-day gun ban has been implemented during the festival.
He said that Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residences (PTCFOR) is suspended from 12:01 a.m. on October 11 to 11:59 p.m. on October 27.
Only the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms based on the memorandum order from the PNP national headquarters.
Benitez adopted the recommendation of the coordinating committee for the security and peace and order concerns of the MassKara Festival.