BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) held a send-off ceremony for troops and resources on September 30 at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) grounds in preparation for the MassKara Festival 2025.
A total of 1,984 security personnel were deployed across the city, particularly at the four main festival sites, to ensure the safety and security of festival-goers. This includes 1,320 uniformed Philippine National Police (PNP) officers, 64 personnel from the Bureau of Fire, Philippine Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, 250 force multipliers, 80 rescue and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel, and 270 from the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD).
This year’s festival venues include the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and The Upper East Megaworld.
Colonel Joeresty Coronica, City Director of BCPO, said, “Every year, we conduct this send-off as a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and enjoyable MassKara Festival celebration. The festival is more than just smiles and colors—it is a responsibility we share to protect our people and visitors.”
He added, “The festival will only be truly successful if it concludes with no major incidents that could put Bacolod City in a negative light. Behind that success are the men and women not only of the PNP but also our partner national and local agencies, the military, multipliers, and volunteers. You are the true force behind the safety and security of Bacolod.”
Coronica emphasized the values of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to service and urged Bacolodnons, festival-goers, and event organizers to cooperate with security measures to ensure a safe celebration.
The security deployment will be conducted in two batches to provide maximum coverage across festival venues, parade routes, public convergence points, transport hubs, and other vital city installations. Specialized units such as the Explosives and Ordnance Division, drone teams, and medical support groups will also be mobilized.
A total of 651 vehicles and equipment will support the deployment, including mobile patrol cars, fire trucks, a mobile command center, manpower trucks, prisoner transport vehicles, motorcycles, ambulances, CDRRMO equipment, and handheld radios.
The send-off ceremony highlights PRO-NIR’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during one of the country’s most vibrant festivals, which annually draws thousands of local and international tourists.
Colonel Dennis Esguerra, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO-NIR, led the ceremony along with Col. Coronica and representatives from various government agencies and the city government.
With the full deployment of security forces and strengthened collaboration with government agencies, local officials, and community partners, PRO-NIR reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding lives, upholding peace and order, and ensuring that MassKara Festival 2025 is celebrated in an atmosphere of joy, unity, and safety./PN
