By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) formally held a send-off ceremony yesterday, deploying nearly 2,500 security personnel and more than 650 mobility assets to ensure peace and order during the month-long MassKara Festival 2025 in Bacolod City.
The ceremony, staged at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), was led by Police Colonel Dennis Esguerra, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO-NIR.
It was attended by BCPO director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, members of the PRO-NIR command group, local officials, and representatives from partner government agencies.
A total of 2,495 personnel from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Coast Guard, Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups, and force multipliers were deployed in two batches to secure festival venues, parade routes, transport hubs, convergence areas, and other vital installations.
Specialized teams such as K9 units, drone operators, the Explosives and Ordnance Division, and medical responders were also mobilized.
The deployment includes 651 vehicles and equipment, among them patrol cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, ambulances, a mobile command center, prisoner transport vehicles, crowd dispersal gear, and handheld radios.
In his address, Coronica highlighted the collective effort behind the festival’s security framework.
“The MassKara Festival is more than just a celebration of smiles and colors — it is also a responsibility we share to ensure the safety of our people and our visitors. This festival will only be truly successful if it concludes with no major incidents that would put Bacolod City in bad light,” he said.
Coronica urged personnel to uphold professionalism and discipline while also calling on Bacolodnons and festivalgoers to cooperate with security measures.
“Together, we will prove once again that Bacolod City can host not only the most festive and colorful celebration but also the safest in the nation,” he added./CJ, WDJ