MassKara Festival generally peaceful

The just concluded 44th MassKara Festival was generally peaceful for the entire 22 days, with zero casualties and no major incidents reported in various areas of Bacolod City.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Brillo, administrative officer for the office of City Director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Monday, October 23, that they successfully managed the festival along with the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, the organizer for this year’s edition.

He said pursuant to the command directive of Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas, and Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez requiring a high degree of alertness, readiness, and preparedness of BCPO in line with security measures and Intensified Anti-Criminality Campaign, the Bacolod police successfully maintained peace and order within its jurisdiction.

Brillo noted that BCPO employed effective and efficient crowd control strategies to ensure the smooth flow of attendees, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate potential risks associated with large gatherings.

They also increased police visibility in and around festival venues, as well as key areas throughout the city, and established security checkpoints at entry and exit points of festival venues to screen individuals, and detect prohibited items.

Brillo said they closely collaborated and established communication channels with the local government unit of Bacolod City, agencies, festival organizers, and relevant stakeholders, to promptly address security concerns or emerging issues.

He said they also ensured preparedness for emergency situations by coordinating with other emergency response agencies, establishing rapid response plans, and implementing established protocols to promptly address any incident.

“The concerted efforts of the BCPO, the local government of Bacolod City, volunteers, force multipliers, and other stakeholders, including the full cooperation of the public and team PRO-6, were pivotal in ensuring the success of the Festival as well as the safety and security of Bacolodnons and tourists,” he added.

BCPO deployed at least 3,000 police personnel and force multipliers to ensure peace and order.

Brillo said they are also validating the alleged mauling incident on the festival site which was posted on social media.

He said they were informed that the alleged mauling incident happened during the previous MassKara Festival and it was reposted on social.

He added at least 1,000 augmentation personnel from PRO-6 also returned to their units Monday.*