• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has declared that the staging of the 46th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City was generally peaceful.
In a statement on Sunday night, the PRO-NIR attributed the successful celebration of the 19-day festival to the comprehensive security and public safety plan, with augmentation from the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas, Siquijor Police Provincial Office, and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, which was also supported by force multipliers, local government units, and partner-agencies.
Throughout the festival’s duration, the PRO-NIR noted the absence of any major untoward incident.
“The strong police visibility, coupled with proactive law enforcement measures and the active cooperation of the public, contributed to the peaceful and secure conduct of all activities,” the PRO-NIR said in a statement.
Police personnel were strategically deployed to major event venues, street dance routes, concert sites, transport terminals, and tourist spots to ensure maximum visibility and quick response to any security concerns.
Regular foot and mobile patrols, traffic management operations, and anti-criminality initiatives were also carried out to maintain peace and order.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, lauded the Bacolod City Police Office under the leadership of PCol. Joeresty Coronica for a job well done in ensuring the safety and security of the public throughout the celebration.
“The peaceful and successful celebration of the Masskara Festival 2025 stands as a testament to the strong partnership between the police and the community. Through our collective effort, we ensured that both locals and tourists experienced the festivity in a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment,” he added. | GB
