BACOLOD City – The 45th MassKara Festival officially opens today, October 12, following its kickoff with a Grand Salubong at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Friday night.
Aiming for a zero MassKara-related incidents, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said around 1,859 joint security personnel were deployed beginning Friday to ensure peace and order during the festival.
A sendoff ceremony held at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds on Thursday afternoon, October 10, was led by Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 and task group commander of MassKara Festival 2024.
The security forces include 1,199 officers of the Philippine National Police and 330 from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Army.
Also part of the contingent are 230 force multipliers and 100 personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and rescue groups.
The security personnel are equipped with 57 mobile patrol cars, 51 motorcycles, three fire trucks, one man truck, 90 civil disturbance management equipment, and 320 hand-held radios.
“With a significant influx of visitors and numerous activities scheduled, the top priority remains in ensuring public safety,” said Coronica.
He said the BCPO, along with its supportive partners, is fully prepared to address security concerns, allowing the public to enjoy the festivities in a safe and peaceful environment.
“As the city prepares for this grand occasion, the BCPO encourages public cooperation to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to ensure a successful and incident-free MassKara Festival 2024” the BCPO director added.
He further reminded that the permit to carry firearms outside of the residence is suspended in this city from October 11 to midnight of October 27.
For his part, Wanky reminded the security personnel to perform their duties and responsibilities in their respective areas of deployment in the city.
He likewise advised them to take care of themselves while performing their duties, drink vitamins, and eat healthy food, among others.
The festival’s Sapphire Edition has four major festival sites: BCGC, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
This year’s highlights, the much-anticipated street dance and arena competition, will be on October 27.
Other major events include MassKaralympics on Oct. 4-25; MassKaNamit cookfest, Oct. 15-17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, Oct. 19; Lacson MassKara 2024: Kingdom, Oct. 25-27; MassKarade Ball, Oct. 25; and Electric MassKara, Oct. 26./PN
