By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — A total of 1,859 security forces will be deployed for the Sapphire edition of this year’s MassKara Festival, running from Oct. 11 to 27.
The security forces consist mainly of policemen, with support from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), rescue groups, and force multipliers. They were sent off at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) headquarters yesterday, one day before the official kickoff of the festivities.
Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 and head of the MassKara Security Task Group, led the send-off ceremony along with Councilor Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Fire, National Disasters, and Calamities, who represented Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez. Councilor Jason Villarosa, festival director Katherine Matiling, and commanders of other augmentation units were also present.
The total deployment includes 1,199 policemen, 330 personnel from other agencies, 230 force multipliers, and 100 members from rescue groups and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Aside from manpower, the BCPO will utilize 57 mobile patrol cars, three fire trucks, one man truck, 51 motorcycles, five ambulances, 90 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units, and 320 handheld radios.
Rev. Fr. (Police Lt. Col.) Mark Virgil Ibardolaza, regional pastoral officer-6, blessed the troops and resources.
In a media interview after the send-off ceremony, Wanky said only 25 percent of the augmentation personnel will be initially deployed, with the bulk of the forces positioned during the festival’s highlight starting on Oct. 21.
Wanky noted that red teams from PRO-6 will monitor the performance of policemen assigned to festival sites and various areas across the city.
Based on their inter-agency meeting, Wanky said the MassKara Security Task Group is prepared.
“We will make enhancements as we go along,” he added.
Wanky also mentioned they are awaiting approval from higher offices on the request to suspend the permit to carry firearms outside of residences until Oct. 28, for the festival’s duration. He expressed optimism that the approval would come soon as the festival begins on Oct. 11.
Regarding possible signal jamming during the festivities, Wanky said they would assess the need, although some believe it might not be necessary.
“It depends on our monitoring. If we see a threat, we will immediately request the local government to implement a signal jam,” he said.
Wanky also revealed that Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, informed Mayor Benitez about disallowing drone use in festival sites for security reasons.
“We are waiting for an executive order from the mayor to formalize it,” Wanky said. “It’s a security risk because if there’s no control, someone might use drones under the guise of being influencers.”
Wanky advised vloggers and drone operators to refrain from flying drones in festival areas. Only the police and authorized law enforcement units will be allowed to use drones for real-time monitoring.
However, Wanky said the city government could seek clearance from the police if drones are needed for specific activities.
For his part, Coronica said the MassKara Festival has long symbolized Bacolod’s resilient spirit and unity, welcoming thousands of visitors and showcasing vibrant culture alongside community strength.
“This is not just about deploying personnel but demonstrating our unwavering commitment to public safety and order,” Coronica said, acknowledging the critical role of security forces in safeguarding the much-anticipated event.
Coronica assured that the presence of policemen across the city will ensure locals and tourists enjoy the festivities with confidence, knowing their safety is a priority.
He emphasized that this festival will be remembered not only for its vibrant celebration but also for peace and order.
Councilor Sy expressed trust and confidence in the security forces to ensure a peaceful and orderly MassKara Festival this year.
