By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Coast Guard Station-Northern Negros Occidental (CGS-NNOC) said that they are now planning security measures for the upcoming MassKara Festival.

CGS-NNOC chief, Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio said they are anticipating more tourist arrivals in Negros Occidental, particularly in Bacolod City, for the October festivities.

Mercurio said the deployment of security forces will be a multi-agency operation. 

They expect festival organizers will call for a meeting with law enforcement agencies in the coming weeks to iron out the details of their respective deployments during MassKara.

As part of their mandate, Mercurio said they will tighten maritime safety and security measures during the period.

The 44th edition of the MassKara Festival will kick off on October 7 and will run until October 22.

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez said the 15-day festivities would be launched with a countdown on October 6.

This year, the festival will have a “more spectacular” street and arena dance showcase, he added./DGB, WDJ