MassKara crime rate down by 63%

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported a 62.79 percent reduction in eight focus crimes during the 40th MassKara Festival here from October 8 to 27.

This was revealed by Police Colonel Harold Tuzon, deputy regional director for operations of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, during the culmination and awarding of members of Task Group MassKara at the BCPO headquarters here on Monday.

Based on the BCPO records, 16 incidents were reported this year, a variance of 27 cases compared to last year’s 43 incidents.

Police Station 4 posted the highest number of incidents with four, followed by Police Stations 7 and 9 with three cases each.

Two incidents each were reported in the areas of Police Stations 1 and 2, and one each in Police Stations 3 and 6.

The BCPO reported four cases of physical injuries, one rape incident, two robbery incidents, and nine theft cases.  No murder and homicide cases, as well as motornapping and carnapping incidents were reported this year.

Only three gunban violators were also arrested outside the three festival sites.

Tuzon also noted a 76.92 percent drop on traffic accidents this year, with 12 cases, compared to 52 cases in 2018.

“We were able to reduce a very significant number during the festival,” he said. “This is because we prepared very well as early as July, and we were able to adapt major event security framework and adapt the whole of nation approach.”

“We were also able to instil discipline making them competent and confident at work. Everybody took responsibility in their respective roles. We also thanked the support of the community and their cooperation for the success of the festivity.”

Tuzon lauded the security forces and announced during the culmination that the first batch of policemen deployed for the festivity will be given a five-day break, three-day break for the second batch, and two-day break for the third batch.

He, however, stressed that these policemen will return immediately to work in preparation for the security deployment of Undas 2019.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, BCPO director, said he asked the public’s understanding on the three-day signal jamming in the city which affected majority of the public.

The signal jamming was requested by the BCPO and approved by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the city as part of the security measures for the festivity and supposed arrival of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Our intention for doing that is very noble. We hope you understand. Sometimes, there is a need to surrender your convenience for the common good,” he said.