BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya lauded police for maintaining peace during the MassKara Festival.
BACOLOD CITY – The 19-day 46th MassKara Festival this year was generally peaceful, with zero major crimes, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
Police credited effective law enforcement, community cooperation, and proactive security measures throughout the festivities.
Only minimal incidents were recorded by the police outside festival sites, specifically one case of physical injury, five theft cases, and a homicide, all of which were promptly addressed by responding police units.
“This record highlights the success of intensified police visibility, efficient crowd control, and strategic coordination among security forces and partner agencies,” the PRO-NIR.
Eight cases of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and seven cases of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries were reported. These were immediately responded to by traffic enforcement and emergency units.
Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, lauded the dedication and professionalism of almost 2,500 security personnel, and thanked the public for their cooperation. “Our record during the festival reflects the discipline of our personnel and the active support of the Bacolodnons and visitors who celebrated responsibly,” he said.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, recognized the security personnel and augmentation units that supported and made the festival successful during the closing and awarding rites at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) in the presence of Mayor Greg Gasataya on Monday, Oct. 20.
Gasataya thanked everyone who did their part in showing what Bacolodnon is and what the “City of Smiles” can offer.