BACOLOD City — The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), organizer of the MassKara Festival 2026, has unveiled its interagency teams as the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) proposed a gun ban and signal jamming during key periods of the festivities.
Lt. Col. Lester Leada, BCPO deputy city director for administration, said the police had submitted a request to Mayor Greg Gasataya for the proposed security measures.
Leada said implementation of the measures would depend on the mayor’s decision.
He disclosed the proposals during a September 18 press conference organized by the BGFI to discuss preparations for the annual festival.
Under the proposal, the gun ban would cover the entire festival period from October 1 to 18, while signal jamming would be implemented during the MassKara highlight on October 18.
Leada said the BCPO would continue enforcing firearm-related laws and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of festivalgoers.
Meanwhile, the BGFI presented the interagency teams that will oversee preparations and operations during the festival, with Interagency Head Rica Latergo leading the coordination efforts with the foundation.
Participating agencies include the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), BCPO, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), City Health Office (CHO), Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), rescue and volunteer groups, and other government agencies.
The teams will coordinate on crowd management, traffic control, fire prevention, medical and emergency response, food safety, sanitation, and site inspections.
Latergo stressed the importance of public cooperation in keeping the celebration safe and orderly.
“MassKara is a celebration for everyone, and safety must be a shared responsibility,” she said, urging festivalgoers to follow regulations, heed authorities’ instructions, and promptly report emergencies.
BGFI Board Director, Corporate Secretary and Head of Legal Affairs Atty. Hannah Lea Dela Torre said the foundation had begun coordinating with government agencies early to address operational and safety requirements ahead of the major festival activities.
Emergency response teams composed of medical personnel, ambulance crews, rescue workers, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers are being prepared for deployment at strategic locations.
The final number of responders and their deployment areas will be determined in coordination with the concerned agencies.
Latergo said regular inspections are also expected to begin on October 1, particularly at festival venues and food concession areas.
The CHO, BCPO, BENRO, and other agencies will monitor compliance with health, sanitation, environmental, and security requirements, she added.
Festivalgoers were reminded to secure their personal belongings, remain alert in crowded areas, follow traffic advisories and road closures, and observe the 10 p.m. curfew for minors.
The BGFI has also coordinated with the BTTMD on proposed traffic management measures and road closures for selected festival activities.
The proposed adjustments remain subject to the BTTMD’s final recommendations and approval by the Bacolod City Council.
With thousands of residents and visitors expected to attend the October festivities, organizers and government agencies are continuing preparations for a safe and orderly MassKara Festival 2026./PN
