BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
About 1,165 police personnel, Army soldiers and other law enforcement agencies, including force multipliers, are up for deployment during the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, which kicks off with a countdown today at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Security personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Army’s 303rd Infantry, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection, among other law enforcement agencies, as well as disaster response units, were presented yesterday by PCol. Joseph Thomas Martir to Festival Director Pinky Mirano-Ocampo during a send-off ceremony at BCPO parade grounds in Bacolod City.
Martir assured Bacolodnons that the deployed forces would be ready to secure the revelers during the entire festival. “We will double our efforts. We will double security during the highlights,” he stressed.
He also revealed that the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) has approved the “signal shutdown” during MassKara Streetdance, Arena Competition and Electric MassKara.
As to the approval of Camp Crame on the request for an implementation of gun ban during the period of MassKara Festival, Martir said they are still waiting for feedback.
He also said that BCPO will ensure police visibility, especially in the main events of the Masskara Festival.
Ocampo, in her message during the send-off ceremony, lauded the security forces for taking on the challenge and responsibility of maintaining peace and order for the three-week festival.
She stressed that the success of the celebration lies in their hands for security ensures stability and a peaceful community.
“As we enjoy the beautiful arts, the music, the food, the concerts and many others, we also need to keep our city from any form of danger and threats. Your presence everywhere ensures our tourists, residents, visitors and guests their safety such that they can enjoy the festival in full throttle and without fear or hesitation,” Ocampo said.* with PNA reports
