BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has urged residents and visitors to observe safety precautions and remain vigilant as thousands of festivalgoers gather for the MassKara Festival 2026.
Under the message “Safe MassKara, Safe Bacolod,” the BCPO reminded the public to stay aware of their surroundings, secure personal belongings, keep children and companions close, use legitimate transportation and follow traffic regulations and instructions from police personnel.
Festivalgoers were also advised to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and immediately report suspicious persons or activities to authorities.
For emergencies, the public may call 911 for immediate assistance or contact BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia.
During the security personnel send-off ceremony at the BCPO grounds on September 30, Lt. Col. Albart Tare, security commander of the Security Site Task Group for MassKara Festival 2026, announced that 3,258 security personnel would be deployed throughout the celebration.
The festival’s activities began with the opening of food kiosks at the Bacolod Public Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on October 1. The official festival opening was held on Oct. 9, while the celebration’s highlights will culminate on October 18.
Among the major events is the Electric MassKara on October 16 at the BCGC. Street dance and arena competitions are scheduled on October 17 and 18, respectively, at the Reclamation Area, featuring participating groups from the school and barangay categories.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said security forces had been deployed for comprehensive operations aimed at increasing police visibility, preventing criminal activities, ensuring prompt responses to incidents and supporting crime investigation and case resolution.
The deployment includes personnel from provincial police offices, the PRO-NIR regional headquarters and national support units.
Police personnel will provide security coverage at festival venues, parade routes, public convergence areas, transportation hubs and other vital installations. Their duties include crowd and traffic management, crime prevention, security monitoring, emergency response and coordination with other government agencies and stakeholders.
The police deployment is being reinforced 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.
Authorities called on festivalgoers to cooperate with security personnel and celebrate responsibly to help maintain peace and order throughout the festivities.
The BCPO emphasized that public safety is a shared responsibility and urged the public to remain alert while enjoying the city’s signature celebration.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department is implementing road closures and traffic rerouting around major festival venues, including the Bacolod Public Plaza, BCGC and Lacson Tourism Strip.
Motorists and commuters are advised to plan their trips ahead of time, use alternate routes when necessary and follow traffic advisories and instructions from traffic enforcers./PN
