SECURITY FOR MASSKARA. A send-off ceremony at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds deploys personnel of the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to secure the 45th MassKara Festival, on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 10, 2024). The festivity will kick off with a “grand salubong” (welcome) on the night of Oct. 11 to usher in the festivity set from Oct. 12 to 27. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY – At least 1,859 joint security personnel were deployed to ensure peace and order during the 45th MassKara Festival, which will kick off with a “grand salubong” (welcome) on the night of Oct. 11 to usher in the festivity set from Oct. 12 to 27.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) and task group commander of MassKara Festival 2024, led the send-off ceremony held at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds Thursday afternoon.
“In the past, our role had been pivotal to the success of the MassKara Festival celebration. There were no major crime incidents and no emergencies involving our security contingent. This year, we gear up our efforts and preparations to achieve at least the same or probably even greater performance,” Wanky said in his message.
This year’s security forces include 1,199 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police and 330 more from other law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Army.
Also part of the contingent are 230 force multipliers and 100 personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and rescue groups.
The security personnel will be equipped with 57 mobile patrol cars, 51 motorcycles, three fire trucks, one man truck, 90 civil disturbance management equipment, and 320 hand-held radios.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy, who delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, said that beyond the colorful and vibrant festival is the need for safety and order.
“Your presence in the festival ensures that the celebration remains peaceful, secure, and enjoyable for everyone. I know your training, dedication, and commitment to duty will allow you to fulfill these tasks,” she added.
The festivity’s Sapphire Edition has four major festival sites, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
On Saturday night, the MassKara Festival will be launched during a welcome event, with entertainers led by December Avenue, at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
Major events include MassKaralympics on Oct. 4-25; MassKaNamit cookfest, Oct. 15-17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, Oct. 19; Lacson MassKara 2024: Kingdom, Oct. 25-27; MassKarade Ball, Oct. 25; Electric MassKara, Oct. 26; and MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition on Oct. 27. (PNA)
