PRO-NIR steps up MassKara Festival security preparations

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has stepped up security preparations to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly celebration of the 47th MassKara Festival here in October.

Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, PRO-NIR director, convened a coordination meeting for Task Group “MassKara Festival 2026” on Thursday, bringing together the command group, regional and personal staff, Bacolod City Police Office, and chiefs of National Support Units to advance proactive crime prevention measures for the city’s biggest festival.

Security and deployment requirements were also discussed, including the strategic positioning of personnel along parade routes and at event venues, transportation hubs, tourist destinations, commercial areas and other key convergence points.

The measures aim to prevent incidents, maintain public order, manage crowds, ensure traffic safety and provide timely police assistance throughout the celebration.

The meeting also emphasized unified planning and sustained coordination among PRO-NIR units, partner agencies, local government units, festival organizers and other stakeholders.

In his message, Reales emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility as the festival brings together people from different places for celebration, culture, commerce and community.

He highlighted the importance of thorough preparation and coordination before the festivities begin, stressing that every agency must know its role, responsibilities and communication channels.

“Our approach is simple: anticipate, coordinate, and respond. Anticipate the pressure points. Coordinate before the problem reaches the streets. And when something happens, respond quickly, professionally, and decisively,” Reales said.

He reminded police personnel that their responsibility during the festival goes beyond securing areas, as they will become part of the community’s celebration by assisting families, visitors, vendors, young people and communities throughout the festivities.

“I expect you to serve. Let our presence communicate one message: The celebration is yours. The safety is our responsibility,” he said.

The 2026 MassKara Festival is scheduled from Oct. 1 to 18, with major activities culminating in the arena and street dance competitions on Oct. 17 and 18.

About 1,800 police officers are expected to be deployed for the festival, including around 800 personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office and about 1,000 augmentation personnel requested from PRO-NIR.