BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported zero crime incidents during the first seven days of the MassKara Festival 2025, ensuring a safe, peaceful, and joyful celebration for thousands of revelers.
Despite the absence of a gun ban, the BCPO implemented comprehensive security measures across all festival venues, including major event sites, activity zones, and crowd convergence areas. The strong police presence and strategic deployment of personnel maintained order and safety during the first week of the festivities under the leadership of Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director.
According to the BCPO, this achievement was made possible through the close coordination of the MassKara Festival Task Group, other law enforcement agencies, city government, and private stakeholders, all working under a unified command structure.
Coronica commended the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the BCPO, as well as the augmentation personnel from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
“Our record during MassKara Festival’s first week reflects the discipline of our personnel and the active support of Bacolodnons and visitors who celebrated responsibly,” Coronica said, expressing gratitude to the public for their cooperation.
The BCPO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and tourists in Bacolod City.
This year’s MassKara Festival, which will run until Oct. 19, has four main festival sites: the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and The Upper East Megaworld.
The highlight events include the Electric MassKara on October 17 at The Upper East Megaworld, followed by the Arena and Street Dance Competitions for the school and barangay categories on October 18 and 19, respectively. Dancers will first perform at the Paglaum Sports Complex before proceeding with the street dancing toward the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod Public Plaza is expected to come alive this week with three of the most anticipated events of MassKara Festival 2025—SingKara: The Voice of Bacolod Grand Finals, MassKarambola, and MassKareppin: “Rekta sa Kalye”—showcasing the city’s vibrant spirit, creativity, and talent.
The SingKara Grand Finals on October 17 will feature 15 finalists who emerged victorious from three elimination rounds, while MassKarambola, a colorful LGBTQ+-led event celebrating diversity and self-expression through live impersonations of international icons, will be held on October 16.
On October 13, the streets will heat up with MassKareppin: “Rekta sa Kalye”, as Bacolod’s best barangay dance crews compete for the championship title./PN
