BCPO deploys 3,258 security forces for MassKara

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office will deploy 3,258 security personnel to ensure the safety and security of the 47th MassKara Festival here from Oct. 1 to 18.

The security deployment was formally sent off during a ceremony at the BCPO on Wednesday, led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, BCPO director, and MassKara Festival organizer and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. president Rodney Ascalon.

Of the total deployment, 2,686 are police personnel, 98 are from other law enforcement agencies, 314 are force multipliers, 90 are rescue personnel, and 70 are traffic personnel.

The security teams will also be supported by 165 mobile patrol cars, 16 firetrucks, one mobile command center, one man truck, two prisoner transport vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 25 ambulances, 70 pieces of Civil Disturbance Management equipment, and 350 handheld radios.

The security forces were organized into various task units to ensure continuous coverage at festival venues, parade routes, public convergence points, transport hubs, and other vital installations.

The deployment will prioritize proactive crime prevention, visible policing, crowd and traffic management, timely response, and effective coordination in addressing incidents and supporting crime investigation and resolution.

Initial deployment will begin Oct. 1, with full deployment from Oct. 7 to 18.

Rebadomia, who heads Site Task Group MassKara, said the deployment reflects their commitment to protect and serve festival-goers while ensuring that the celebration remains safe, peaceful, and memorable.

“MassKara is known for its smiles, colors, music, and celebration. But, behind every smile is a responsibility which rests on all of us,” he said, emphasizing that effective security goes beyond manpower and equipment and requires discipline, teamwork, vigilance, and care.

“Celebrate with a smile, but protect with a purpose,” Rebadomia added, urging security personnel to remain alert, safe, and committed to serving the public.

Reales, meanwhile, reminded the troops to remain vigilant, professional, courteous, and approachable.

He urged them to be firm when necessary while maintaining respect and looking after one another.

“While others are celebrating, you are serving. While others are enjoying the lights, you are watching over them. And while others are making memories, you are helping make those memories safe,” he said.

He also called on festival-goers to celebrate responsibly and report any unusual activity.

“Our officers are there not to limit your enjoyment, but to help ensure that you can celebrate with confidence and return home safely,” he said.

Reales likewise appealed for continued cooperation among security agencies, local government units, and other partners to strengthen security measures and maintain peace and order throughout the festivities.

He said the success of the festival will not only be measured by the size of the crowd or the brightness of the lights.

It will also be measured by how safely people celebrated, how peacefully communities came together, and how well they protected one another.

Gasataya thanked the deployed personnel for their service and acknowledged the challenges involved in maintaining peace and order during the festival.

He emphasized that keeping the city safe is not only a responsibility but also a service rooted in dedication.

Gasataya also highlighted the MassKara Festival as a showcase of the resilience of Bacolodnons and Negrosanons, who continue to adapt to changing times and turn challenges into opportunities that benefit the city, the province, and the country.