Over 1,800 cops to secure 2025 MassKara Festival

By Glazyl M. Jopson

The Bacolod City Police Office will deploy 1,819 officers to secure the 46th MassKara Festival in October.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica said during a press briefing on Wednesday that 900 of those will be augmentation forces—600 from Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region and 300 from PRO-6 in Iloilo.

Coronica noted that this will be the first MassKara held under the newly created Negros Island Region, which includes Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.

The deployment will begin on Oct. 1, aligning with the festival’s official opening.

Additional security personnel from other law enforcement agencies are expected to join, subject to final arrangements.

“This is an interagency effort; we need to support each other for a safe and peaceful celebration,” Coronica said.

He added that a gun ban has been recommended for the duration of the festival, but they are still awaiting a decision from Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and possible endorsement to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame.

If not approved, this would be the first MassKara Festival without a gun ban in place.

“There’s no current threat to peace and order, but a gun ban would add a layer of security,” Coronica said.

Festival inter-agency head AJ Marquez reminded sponsors not to bring surprise celebrity guests, as this could compromise crowd control and security preparedness.

“Unannounced celebrities can cause crowd panic like stampede and security lapses,” Coronica warned.

Traffic enforcers from the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department will also play a vital role, with 25 to 30 personnel deployed on standby.

Major road closures are being proposed, including Bacolod Public Plaza from Sept. 28 to Oct. 20, with full closures from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays from Oct. 1 to 19.

Partial closures will affect roads surrounding the Bacolod City Government Center from Oct. 1 to 19, specifically the North, South, and East access points.

Lacson Tourism Strip will be closed from Oct. 13 to 21, with a full closure from 1 p.m. on Oct. 16 until 6 a.m. on Oct. 21.

Marquez said these closures aim to ensure emergency access and maintain traffic flow despite the expected large crowds.

Dr. Laarni Pornan of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Fire Marshal Supt. Jenny Mae Masip confirmed the readiness of their teams for deployment.

Final traffic rerouting and safety advisories will be released once approved by the Bacolod City Council.

Festival Director Rodney Ascalon appealed to the public for cooperation.

“We ask for patience and understanding—these measures are vital to ensure everyone’s safety during the festival,” Ascalon said.

He added that all plans were formulated through extensive coordination with law enforcement and emergency services.

“Security and safety have always been at the core of the festival,” he said.

“Whatever these agencies deem necessary for the welfare of the public, we at the Bacolod Gugma Foundation will fully support,” he added.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation is the official organizer of this year’s MassKara Festival.