300 cops augment MassKara Festival security

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) has deployed 300 personnel to PRO–Negros Island Region to augment security preparations for the MassKara Festival 2025.

The send-off ceremony was held Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the PRO-6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, presided over the send-off rites.

As the augmentation force’s main job is to assist in maintaining peace and order during the world-renowned MassKara Festival, Ligan said they should ensure the safety and security of visitors and participants of the cultural celebration.

“Although Bacolod City is no longer officially part of Police Regional Office 6, I want to make it clear that our support for this beloved city remains steadfast and unwavering,” Ligan said.

“We live by the principle that as police officers, we are ready and willing to be assigned anywhere in the Philippines where our service is needed,” he added.

The region’s top cop also called on the officers to maintain discipline, alertness and courtesy, emphasizing that each deployed carries not only their own responsibility but also the reputation and honor of PRO-6.

“As you take your first step onto the soil of the City of Smiles, bring with you your sweetest smile,” he said.

“Let it reflect the warmth and kindness of our service, because you are not just enforcing the law, you are also ambassadors of goodwill to the people you serve,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay was also present during the send-off ceremony.

The augmentation contingent, composed of personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and various provincial and city police offices, will assist in crowd control, traffic management and law enforcement operations throughout the festivities.

The MassKara Festival is an annual celebration in Bacolod City known for colorful street dances, smiling masks and cultural showcases that draw thousands of visitors each October.

Meanwhile, PRO-6 assured the public that despite the deployment, police visibility and security operations in Western Visayas will remain unhampered.

The contingent is expected to return to their respective units after the culmination of the MassKara Festival.