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Bacolod tightens MassKara security
BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – No backpacks, no bombs? Revelers were asked to follow security measures as the highlights of the 37th MassKara Festival unfold this weekend.
The police specifically discouraged the bringing of backpacks at festival sites.
Around 800 police officers, soldiers and force multipliers were deployed across the metro to secure locals and tourists.
Carrying and transporting firearms are prohibited. All permits to carry firearms outside of residence were suspended from Oct. 1 to 24.
Glass bottles and similar containers, and pointed grilling sticks and tools are banned at festival sites, too, the Bacolod City Police Office said.
In light of the recent bombing in Davao City, the police advised the public not to bring backpacks, said Superintendent Noel Polines, deputy chief for operations.
An improvised explosive device detonated at the night market in the Davao Region metropolis on Sept. 2. A massage client left a backpack after a session. The explosion occurred a few seconds later, witnesses said.
After which President Rodrigo Duterte — the city’s former mayor — declared a state a national emergency on account of lawless violence.
The extraordinary presidential power prompted the armed forces to aid the police in internal security operations.
All sorts of bottled beverage, including water, are banned at festival sites, too, said Polines.
The organizer Silver MassKara Festival Organization has identified three festival sites this year: the New Government Center (city hall) ground, the public plaza and the Tourism Strip on Lacson Street.
Anyone carrying the prohibited items will not be allowed to enter any of the festival sites unless they leave such items behind, police said.
While the police may not confiscate them unless warranted, any backpack — as with other kinds of bag — will be meticulously inspected.
The police shall “thoroughly check and inspect in a courteous manner all backpacks and bags [during] the duration of the MassKara celebration,” especially at the festival sites, the city council said in September.
Inspection will be especially strict at the public plaza, where the Arena contest of school participants in the Street and Arena Dance Competition will be held this afternoon, said Polines. Steel railings have been put up to secure the dancers.
He also advised the revelers to be more conscious so they won’t fall victims to pickpockets — a common security problem during festivals.
Polines said the past 21 days of the festival had been relatively peaceful, with only minor incidents recorded.
Seven elementary and four secondary schools are competing in the Street and Arena Dance Competition.
Street dancing will start along Lizares-Araneta streets at 3 p.m., while the arena competition at the public plaza will be at 4 p.m.
Participants in the Elementary category are Andres Bonifacio Elementary School (ES) II, Rafael Alunan ES, Bata ES I, Handumanan ES II, Education and Training Center School III (District VI), J.R. Torres ES, and Francisco R. Flores ES.
In the High School category the participants are Domingo Lacson National High School, Luisa Medel National High School, Fr. Gratian Murray, AFCS Integrated School, and Sum-ag National High School.
Separate winners for Elementary and High School categories will be declared.
The Street and Arena Dance Competition – School Category is a partnership between the Silver MassKara Festival Organization and the Department of Education – Division of Bacolod City./PN
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