• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 2,495 security and rescue personnel have been tasked to secure the 46th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City on Oct. 1 to 19.
On Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 30), the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) conducted the send-off ceremony for security personnel and resources at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) parade grounds led by PCol. Dennis Esguerra, deputy regional director for administration of PRO-NIR, and PCol. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director.
The security personnel included police officers from PRO-NIR, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and support units, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, various rescue groups, and force multipliers.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the PRO-NIR, said they will be divided in two batches to provide maximum security coverage in all key areas of activity, including festival venues, parade routes, public convergence points, transport hubs, and other vital installations.
They will be strategically assigned to ensure police visibility, crowd control, traffic management, crime prevention, and immediate response to any untoward incidents, she added.
Malong said specialized units such as the Explosives and Ordnance Division, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups will also be mobilized to strengthen the overall security framework of the celebration.
The PRO-NIR is also deploying 651 vehicles and equipment to augment the BCPO personnel and mobility assets in managing security operations for the festival, which is expected to draw thousands of local and international tourists.
Esguerra, who spoke on behalf of PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, reminded security personnel to be vigilant and alert at all times.
“Enemies are just around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to execute their own plans, and nefarious acts, with the sole objective of disrupting the peace and order,” he added. | GB
