BACOLOD City — A total of 3,258 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors during the 47th MassKara Festival, which runs from October 1 to 18 in Bacolod City.
Lt. Col. Albart Tare, Security Commander of the Security Site Task Group, announced the deployment during a send-off ceremony at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) grounds on September 30.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said an initial 1,794 police personnel were deployed during the first wave of the security operation.
PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong clarified that the 1,794 personnel comprise the initial deployment, with the remaining forces scheduled to be fully deployed starting October 7.
The security operation will focus on increasing police visibility, preventing criminal activities, responding promptly to incidents, and supporting crime investigation and solution throughout the festival.
Personnel from provincial police offices, the PRO-NIR regional headquarters, and national support units will be assigned to various task units to provide continuous security coverage at festival venues, parade routes, public convergence areas, transport hubs, and other vital installations.
Their duties will include crowd and traffic management, crime prevention, security monitoring, emergency response, and coordination with government agencies and other stakeholders.
The police deployment will be complemented by personnel and resources from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups, and other force multipliers.
Specialized teams, including explosives and ordnance personnel, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups, will also be deployed to strengthen threat detection, security monitoring, and emergency response.
Patrol vehicles, motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, handheld radios, metal detectors, and crowd-management equipment will likewise be utilized during the festival.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales, who also serves as Task Group Commander, urged security personnel to remain vigilant, professional, courteous, and approachable while performing their duties.
“While others are celebrating, you are serving. While others are enjoying the lights, you are watching over them. And while others are making memories, you are helping make those memories safe,” Reales said.
He also called on festivalgoers to celebrate responsibly and urged local government units, organizers, business establishments, volunteers, partner agencies, and the community to work together to maintain a peaceful and orderly celebration.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed appreciation to the security forces, noting that the city’s population and the number of people in the city are expected to increase significantly during the festival.
Gasataya said the city recognizes the challenges involved in securing a major festival and thanked security personnel and partner agencies for helping ensure a peaceful celebration.
In a message, Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez emphasized the importance of the security forces in ensuring the safety of festivalgoers.
“While our fellow Bacolodnons and our visitors enjoy the festivities, you will be there to keep watch, respond when needed, and help maintain peace and order throughout the celebration,” part of Benitez’s message read.
“On behalf of the people of Bacolod, I extend our sincere gratitude for your dedication and service. We also pray for your own safety as you carry out your responsibilities. May you be guided, protected, and kept safe throughout the entire festival,” he added.
BCPO City Director Col. Eugene N. Rebadomia reminded the deployed personnel that their mission goes beyond sending personnel and resources into the field.
“We are sending a commitment—a commitment to protect, to serve, and to make sure that every MassKara celebration is safe, peaceful, and truly memorable,” Rebadomia said.
“MassKara is known for its smiles, colors, music, and celebration. But behind every smile is a responsibility—and that responsibility rests on all of us,” he added.
The send-off ceremony was attended by PRO-NIR command personnel, government agency representatives, local officials, and other stakeholders.
Authorities said the deployment of thousands of security personnel and support teams is intended to maintain heightened security and public safety throughout the MassKara Festival./PN
