A TOTAL of 3,194 security forces were sent off for the highlights of the 39th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City Monday, October 20, in rites held at the Bacolod Government Center (BGC).
Of the total number, 1,866 policemen, 779 force multipliers, 38 personnel from National Support Units (NSUs), and 511 from other support agencies were deployed this week for the festivity.
Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, acting director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said 572 BCPO personnel and 1,294 augmentation personnel from Police Regional Office (PRO)–Western Visayas and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) were detailed in their respective areas of assignment, particularly entry and exit points to ensure a safe and secure festival.
It is supported by six personnel from the Highway Patrol Group, 16 from the Aviation Security Group, 16 from the Maritime Group, 50 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 24 from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 80 from the EPR, 16 from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and 341 traffic auxiliaries.
Ebreo said the number of security forces this year increased by 25 to 30 percent because of different emerging situations, especially since the midterm elections is approaching.
"We just have to make some adjustments on the number of personnel," he added.
For other resources, three firetrucks, one man truck, 49 four-wheel vehicles, 54 motorcycles, 315 handheld radios, and 165 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) equipment set which include shield, baton, and helmet will be utilized.
Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, regional director of PRO-Western Visayas, whose message to the policemen was read by Chief Superintendent Carlito Feliciano, deputy regional director for administration, said the show of force intends to assure the readiness and response of the personnel.
Bulalacao was not around during the sendoff ceremony after he met with Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.
He reminded his men to be vigilant, alert, and stay focused while performing their duties.
“Always scan your surroundings with suspicious groups or individuals. Report anything out of ordinary. Criminals and terrorists will just be around the corner, spot them. Always be ready for action while on duty,” Bulalacao said.
He also emphasized that "sleeping and prolonged use of mobile phones will not be tolerated. Know fully well your roles and functions. Avoid being preoccupied when you are on duty. Put your mind and body within the context of your assignment."
Bulalacao advised them to never forget to engage with the community because the public can help provide information about criminal elements.
"Let us do things with solidarity, unity, and teamwork to attain success," he said.
For his part, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran expressed his gratitude to the law enforcers and augmentation personnel for a guaranteed security in this year's MassKara festival.
Meanwhile, Ebreo said only one MassKara-related incident happened at the BGC on October 19 since the opening of the festivity on October 8.
The suspect in a theft incident was arrested but the victim refused to file a case against him, he added.
Ebreo said the suspect was still charged with illegal possession of deadly weapon. He also added that they have no record of gun ban violators.
Ebreo said signal jamming or the temporary shutting down of network services from all telecommunication companies will be implemented at the three festival sites - BGC, public plaza, and Lacson Tourism Strip from October 26 to 28.