
BACOLOD City – Despite the absence of a gun ban during the 19-day celebration of the 46th MassKara Festival, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a generally peaceful and orderly festivity.
The annual celebration, held from October 1 to 19, was spearheaded by the city government in partnership with the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), this year’s festival organizer.
PRO-NIR attributed the peaceful celebration to effective law enforcement, community cooperation, and proactive security measures implemented throughout the festivities.
According to the regional police, no major crimes were recorded within festival venues, including cases of physical injury, theft, rape, robbery, murder, homicide, or carnapping. This, they said, reflected the success of intensified police visibility, efficient crowd control, and strategic coordination among security forces and partner agencies.
Outside the festival areas, only minimal incidents were reported — one case of physical injury, five cases of theft, and one homicide — all of which were promptly addressed by responding police units.
Traffic-related incidents were also kept under control, with only eight cases of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and seven cases resulting in physical injuries. These were immediately responded to by traffic enforcement and emergency teams.
In the anti-illegal drugs campaign, PRO-NIR conducted 23 operations that led to the confiscation of 1,615.824 grams of illegal drugs valued at P10,987,603.20. Two separate operations were also carried out in connection with Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Meanwhile, intensified operations against illegal gambling resulted in eight successful arrests, while 16 operations targeting wanted persons led to the capture of one most wanted individual and 15 other suspects.
PRO-NIR lauded the collective effort of its personnel and partner agencies, saying the peaceful conduct of the 2025 MassKara Festival demonstrated their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and unity.
Through the leadership of Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, the regional police reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and order in the region, particularly during large-scale public events.
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed gratitude for the safe and successful celebration, despite occasional heavy rains that affected some activities, including the MassKara Arena and Streetdance Competition for the school category on October 18.
He also commended the Bacolod Gugma Foundation for its “commendable performance” in organizing this year’s festivities, which once again showcased Bacolod’s trademark resilience and joy./PN