More than 900 police officers will secure the 45th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, which will kick off on Friday, October 11, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) said.
PRO-6 director, Brigadier General Jack Wanky said the sendoff ceremony for the 900 police officers, including personnel from other law enforcement agencies, is scheduled on Thursday, October 10.
They will be deployed to some identified festival sites, such as Bacolod City Public Plaza, Bacolod City Government Center, Lacson Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
The deployment is part of the total of 1,828 police personnel for the October festivities.
Wanky said they are aiming for zero casualties during the MassKara festivities until its highlights on October 27.
However, the PRO-6 director said the proposed implementation of a gun ban during the festival has yet to be approved by the Philippine National Police headquarters.
Earlier, the Bacolod City Police Office said a citywide gun ban and suspension of permits to carry firearms outside of residence will be implemented from October 11 to 28.
Stringent screening measures will also be enforced at festival sites to prevent potential criminal activities during the festivities.
Truck ban
Meanwhile, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will implement a truck ban during the Electric MassKara, one of the MassKara Festival’s highlights on October 26.
BTAO deputy head Jose Antonio Robello said the ban will start at 5:30 p.m. and will continue until the event concludes.
Robello added that Circumferential Road near the Bacolod City Government Center will be closed for the parade.
BTAO will enforce rerouting for trucks to manage the flow of traffic during the event.
The 45th MassKara Festival will kick off with a Grand Countdown Salubong at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday night.
Signaling the start of the month-long festivities is a fireworks display at midnight, followed by performances from several local bands, which will set the stage for a celebration of heritage, culture, entertainment, and Bacolodnon spirit.
The event will also begin with a motorcade, leading to an evening of fun and music.
The festival will also include other major events: MassKaralympics from October 4 to 25; MassKaNamit cookfest, October 15 to 17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, October 19; and MassKarade Ball, October 25.
The MassKara Festival, considered one of the most colorful festivals in the country, will showcase dancers in carnival-inspired costumes and masks on the city streets./WDJ