AS THE highlights of the 39th MassKara Festival is approaching, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) conducted a simulation exercise on bombing at the two festival sites in the city.

Chief Inspector Sherlock Gabana, public information officer of BCPO, said Sunday, October 21, the exercises was first held at the public plaza on October 19 while the other one was conducted at the carnival area at the Government Center the following day.

Aside from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the agencies which took part in the exercise were the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Health Office (CHO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and K9 unit, among others.

Gabana said the exercise is part of the security plan of the BCPO to assess the preparedness and coordination of all units and government agencies involved in the security for the festivity.

"We also want to test their capabilities in responding to untoward incidents," he added.

Gabana said the simulation exercise is also a way to identify the roles of each government agency and unit.

He added they still need to improve more on their security preparations.