Bacolod: The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is aiming for zero major crime incidents during the 46th MassKara Festival, which is set to begin on Wednesday night at two locations-the Bacolod Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of Bacolod City Police Office, emphasized that achieving zero major crime incidents is the benchmark for declaring the MassKara 2025 Festival a success. This year marks the first time the festival will proceed without a gun ban, but Coronica assured that contingency plans are in place to manage the absence of firearms prohibition.
On Tuesday, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) dispatched 2,495 personnel to ensure the safety and security of attendees over the 19-day festival. The initial deployment includes 1,320 Philippine National Police personnel, 64 from other government security forces, 250 force multipliers, 80 from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and rescue groups, and 270 personnel from the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department. Additional security personnel come from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Army, and Philippine Coast Guard.
On October 16, a second batch of personnel will be deployed, including 300 from PRO-Western Visayas and 211 from PRO-NIR, to secure the festival highlights scheduled for October 17 to 19.
According to the PRO-NIR, the security teams will provide comprehensive coverage of key festival areas, including venues, parade routes, public gathering points, transport hubs, and other critical locations throughout Bacolod City. They will be strategically placed to ensure police visibility, manage crowds, control traffic, prevent crime, and respond promptly to any incidents.
The PRO-NIR also indicated that specialized units such as the explosives and ordnance division, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups will be activated to support the festival’s security operations.
