• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
As MassKara Festival 2025 kicks off today, police forces and resources dedicated to ensuring safety and security during the festivity were officially sent off yesterday in a ceremony held at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) grounds.
This was the first send-off ceremony, which deployed 1,984 security forces composed of 1,320 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, 80 members from various rescue groups, 270 personnel from the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), and 64 from other concerned agencies.
The forces will be deployed to strategic areas to provide maximum security coverage in all key areas of activity, including festival venues, parade routes, public convergence points, transport hubs, and other vital installations in the city.
Moreover, specialized units such as the Explosives and Ordnance Division, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups will likewise be mobilized to strengthen the overall security framework of the celebration.
During the event, Bacolod City Police Direct Pcol. Joeresty Coronica sought the cooperation of the public to ensure a crime-free Masskara festival.
“To all Bacolodnons and festivalgoers, as well as the organizers of the events, your cooperation and understanding in our security measures are crucial in attaining our goal,” he stressed during his speech.
Meanwhile, to ensure the mobilization of security forces, 651 vehicles and pieces of equipment are set to be used in the entire duration of the security deployment.
The ceremony highlighted the blessing of the personnel and equipment by the police pastoral unit.
“With the full deployment of security forces and strengthened collaboration with government agencies, local officials, and community partners, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguard lives, uphold peace and order, and guarantee that Masskara Festival 2025 will be celebrated in an atmosphere of joy, unity, and safety for all,” Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region said in a statement.
The ceremony was attended by the commanders of various security agencies, government agencies, and public officials from the local government of Bacolod City.
The second send-off ceremony will be conducted on October 16, in preparation for the Masskara highlight events, where an additional 511 PNP personnel will be deployed. Three hundred of those are augmented by the Police Regional Office Region 6 while 211 come from the PRO-NIR.
“We will reciprocate, that if they [PRO6] will have major events, we will augment additional security support,” Coronica said as he expressed his thanks to the neighboring region who augmented additional police forces.*
