BACOLOD City – Police authorities here aim for maximum security deployment to deter crimes during the 40th MassKara Festival slated Oct. 7 to 27.
Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), bared that
around 1,600 cops from the Police Regional Office (PRO) Region 6 will be deployed during the festivities.
This is to ensure safety of thousands of MassKara revelers, said Pico.
He added that aside from PRO-6’s augmentation personnel, they are expecting additional security forces from other law enforcement and security agencies such as the Special Action Force, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other force multipliers.
“PRO-6 personnel will be evenly spread out to the city’s main festival sites located at the Government Center, Lacson tourism strip and Public Plaza,” Pico noted.
With BCPO now finalizing its security plans, Pico said they have sent a letter to the Philippine National Police national headquarters requesting for a total gun ban and signal jamming during the festival.
“We already prepared our contingency plans for any incidents and accidents that may occur,” Pico said.
The Ruby MassKara celebration, themed “Bacolod, City of Smiles”, will formally open next week.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier announced that President Rodrigo Duterte will be this year’s guest of honor.
The highlights will start on Oct. 24 and 25, featuring the Electric MassKara parades.
Meanwhile, the much anticipated MassKara Street and Arena Dance competitions will be held on Oct. 26 and 27 – the final weekend of the festival./PN
