BACOLOD City — The 18-day MassKara Festival 2026 concluded generally peacefully, with Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commending security personnel, local government units and partner agencies for ensuring public safety throughout the celebration.
Reales attributed the peaceful conduct of the festival, held from October 1 to 18, to the dedication and coordinated efforts of security personnel deployed across major festival venues.
According to Reales, no festival-related incidents were reported at the designated sites, reflecting the commitment of security teams to protecting residents, tourists and other festivalgoers.
He expressed gratitude to the Bacolod City government and other agencies for their cooperation in maintaining peace and order during the annual celebration.
Reales was the guest of honor at the 47th MassKara Festival culmination and awarding ceremony held at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Administration Building on October 19. BCPO City Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia led the event.
During the security personnel send-off ceremony on September 30, Lt. Col. Albart Tare, security commander of the Security Site Task Group for MassKara Festival 2026, said a total of 3,258 security personnel had been deployed for the festivities.
The deployment included augmentation forces from the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas to reinforce security operations at major festival venues, entertainment areas and locations where large crowds were expected.
Reales assured the public that police units across the Negros Island Region remain prepared to provide security for events of any scale.
He said police personnel were also preparing security deployments for Oplan Kaluluwa, the police operation for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, when large crowds are expected at cemeteries, churches and transportation terminals.
He urged the public to cooperate with authorities and observe safety measures to help maintain peace and order during the upcoming observance.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya described this year’s MassKara Festival as a celebration of the city’s joy, love and resilience.
He highlighted the determination of performers and festivalgoers who continued to participate in the festivities despite the rain, saying the MassKara dancers’ performances reflected the resilience and spirit of Bacolodnons.
Gasataya also cited the festive atmosphere at major attractions, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Megaworld The Upper East, SM City Bacolod, the Public Plaza and the Lacson Tourism Strip.
He said the celebration brought residents and visitors together through street dancing, entertainment and the city’s renowned chicken inasal, creating memorable experiences throughout the festival.
The mayor thanked partners, visitors and guests whose participation contributed to the celebration’s success.
Gasataya added that MassKara continued to demonstrate Bacolod’s ability to overcome adversity through unity, optimism and community spirit.
He encouraged visitors to carry the festival’s message of smiles and love wherever they go, assuring them that Bacolod would always welcome them back./PN
