• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has requested an additional 1,000 personnel from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region to augment its manpower this MassKara Festival.
P/Lt. Col. Lester Leada, BCPO deputy director for Administration, said Sept. 18 that they will be placed on full-alert status, with 80 percent of personnel to be deployed across festival sites, and the 20 percent to remain on duty at police stations to manage routine operations.
Possible gun ban from Oct. 1-18, and signal jamming during highlight events depend on the city government, the police said.
“Nonetheless, we will be strictly enforcing our laws in relation to firearms this MassKara, and we have coordinated with other law enforcement agencies here in Bacolod to ensure the safety and security of festivalgoers,” Leada said.
He added that curfew for minors will be enforced, though exemptions will be granted to those accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Unaccompanied minors will be closely monitored to prevent involvement in illegal activities, while joint operations with partner law enforcement agencies against illegal drugs will continue throughout the festival period, he added. | TMD
