Signal jam on MassKara highlights?

BACOLOD City – The city government has yet to decide whether there will be a mobile phone signal shutdown during the MassKara Festival highlights scheduled for Oct. 22.

During a press conference on Oct. 16 at the Bacolod City Government Center, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the decision is still under review.

He further stated, “The Presidential Security Group, responsible for guarding the First Family, will inform us. If they deem it necessary, we will proceed with the shutdown.”

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family are set to attend both the MassKara street and arena dance competition as well as the Electric MassKara events.

While Mayor Benitez expressed his preference against the signal jam, emphasizing, “If there is really no security issue, maybe we can do away with it,” he also acknowledged the complaints from numerous phone users during the previous year’s celebrations.

Recalling last year’s events, the National Telecommunications Commission had approved the festival organizers’ and the Bacolod City Police Office’s request for a signal shutdown when the President attended the highlights./PN