By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez issued an executive order reiterating public prohibitions and limitations during this year’s MassKara Festival.
Executive Order (EO) No. 054 states that selling and drinking liquor at festival sites will only be allowed until 3 a.m.
The EO also emphasizes that selling liquor to individuals under 18 is strictly prohibited, in accordance with City Ordinance No. 450, Series of 2007, which amended City Ordinance No. 1251, Series of 1979.
“This is to ensure better regulation at festival sites to prevent untoward incidents,” Benitez said during a Monday press briefing at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
The order was based on recommendations from the coordinating committee for security, peace, and order concerns, which the city adopted through the EO.
In addition to liquor restrictions, the EO bans carrying deadly weapons or similar instruments outside homes or workplaces, as outlined in City Ordinance No. 358, Series of 2004.
Other prohibitions at festival sites include the use of pointed barbecue sticks and other bladed weapons (except by kiosk chefs for culinary purposes), backpacks, and carrying bottled soft drinks and alcoholic beverages while roaming the festival area.
The EO also bans pranks or jokes that could cause mass panic or stampedes, unauthorized fireworks (unless authorized by the organizer or city), and littering in festival areas.
Anticipating the influx of local and international tourists, Benitez stressed the need for strict ordinance enforcement to ensure the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the 45th MassKara Festival.
Regular inspections will be conducted throughout the festival to ensure compliance.
The EO applies to all businesses operating within the official festival sites, including food stalls, retail vendors, and service establishments, as well as to all festival goers and visitors.
The city warned that violation of these guidelines by stall owners could result in the cancellation or revocation of special permits issued through the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation by the city government.
Benitez also announced the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside residences (PTCFOR) during the festival from 12:01 a.m. on October 11 to 11:59 p.m. on October 27.
The 17-day gun ban will be in effect for the entire festival, which is celebrating its Sapphire edition this year.
Only members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties in prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms, based on a memorandum from the PNP national headquarters.
