By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is set to recommend a citywide gun ban as part of heightened security measures for this year’s 46th MassKara Festival, BCPO director, Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica confirmed yesterday.
Coronica said the gun ban request will be forwarded to the Philippine National Police – Central Office through the mayor’s office for approval.
“Necessary gid mag-recommend gun ban because ever since amo man na aton gina-request every time may MassKara,” he said, emphasizing that the measure has long been part of festival security protocols.
Coronica said the implementation of a gun ban aims to achieve zero major crime incidents during MassKara.
He said aside from 700 police personnel from BCPO, more than 800 personnel from the Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region will be requested to be deployed to four main festival sites, which include the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and the Upper East, with checkpoints set up in some areas.
A “no backpack policy” will also be enforced at festival sites to prevent individuals from bringing in explosives. Only transparent bags and small sling bags will be allowed.
The BCPO will also recommend to the city government the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residences during the festivities.
Meanwhile, BCPO are bracing for the possible entry of illegal drugs during the festivities.
Coronica noted that drug monitoring operations remain active, with regular arrests being made almost weekly.
“We are expecting sa pagdagsa naman sang drugs. That’s why we are coordinating with agencies para ma-monitor ang shipments sang illegal drugs,” he added.
The 46th edition of the MassKara Festival is set to run from October 1 to 19, with major highlights scheduled from October 17 to 19.
Aside from the street and arena dance events, the annual festivities will also feature two major visual spectacles: the Electric MassKara Float Competition, a dazzling nighttime parade with illuminated floats, music and dance; and the Giant Mask Competition, which will showcase larger-than-life versions of Bacolod’s signature smiling masks./CJ, WDJ