About 1,800 police officers will be fielded to secure the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, which kicks off on October 1 and runs until October 18.
The festival peaks on October 16 with the Electric MassKara, followed by the arena and street dancing competitions for schools and barangays on October 17 and 18.
Eighty percent of the Bacolod police force, about 800 officers, will be deployed to secure the festival. They will be joined by a 1,000-person augmentation force requested from the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, PLt.Col. Lester L. Leada, Bacolod Police Sub-Site Task Group for Peace and Order commander, said at a press conference at Citadines Bacolod on Friday, September 18.
Police will be on full alert, and checkpoints will be established to ensure the safety of MassKara revelers, Leada said.
He said cell phone signal jamming and a gun ban during the festivities will depend on whether Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya submits a formal request and if high-profile VIPs arrive.
Leada assured the public of swift police responses to 911 calls. While police intelligence gathering shows no active threats to the festival, he said the police will remain vigilant.
With thousands of residents and visitors expected to converge on festival sites this October, the MassKara Festival 2026 Interagency Team is stepping up preparations for a safe, orderly, and secure celebration, organizers said at the press conference.
The Interagency Team is led by Rica Latergo, working closely with the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. through its director, Atty. Hannah Lea Dela Torre.
The foundation is coordinating with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bacolod City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), City Health Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Department of Social Services and Development, rescue and volunteer groups, and other local and national agencies.
Coordination covers crowd management, traffic control, fire prevention, medical emergency response, food safety, site inspections, and other protective measures for festivalgoers, workers, vendors, performers, and residents.
“MassKara is a celebration for everyone, and safety must be a shared responsibility. Our agencies and volunteers are preparing together, but we also need full public cooperation. Following rules, listening to authorities, and immediately reporting emergencies can make a significant difference,” Latergo said.
Dela Torre said that the foundation’s primary role is ensuring operations stay aligned with government agencies and addressing all necessary safety and legal requirements ahead of major events.
“We are coordinating early with different agencies because MassKara is not only about the events on stage. It is also about making sure our streets, venues, food establishments, vendors, performers, and the public are covered by a coordinated safety plan,” Dela Torre said.
PROPOSED TRAFFIC ADJUSTMENTS
As part of the preparations, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation has coordinated with the BTTMD regarding proposed traffic management measures and road closures.
The following proposals remain subject to the final recommendations of the BTTMD and approval by the Bacolod City Council:
- September 28–30: Partial road closure at the Bacolod Public Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center for food kiosk setup.
- October 1–18: Festival site operations proposed from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Daily operations during the three major highlight days (October 16–18) are proposed to run from 3 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- October 10 (Drum and Lyre Competition): Proposed partial road closure from Lizares Street to Araneta Street, with a full closure along Araneta Street toward the Plaza.
- October 16 (Electric MassKara Float Parade): Proposed full road closure along the designated float route, with entry through Lopez Jaena Street and closures stretching from the Burgos Circumferential Road area toward the Francis Street/Stoplight area.
- October 17–18 (Arena and Street Dance Competitions): Proposed full road closure from Hernaez Street to Araneta Street, extending from Luzuriaga Street toward the SM South Wing area.
- October 7–14 (SM City Bacolod Area): Proposed traffic adjustments, including one-way traffic schemes and road blockings, organized in coordination with affected schools and barangays.
- October 12–14 (Lacson Tourism Strip): Proposed partial road closure to facilitate operational setup for vendors, tenants, and festival activities.
The organizers said the public will be informed of finalized traffic schemes, closure schedules, and detour routes once formally approved by city authorities.
SAFETY REMINDERS
Organizers are encouraging attendees to follow basic safety measures throughout the celebration:
- Follow all festival rules and instructions from security personnel.
- Do not bring backpacks, firearms, weapons, or hazardous items into designated festival sites.
- Keep personal belongings secure and remain vigilant in crowded areas.
- Report suspicious activity, lost persons, or medical emergencies immediately to nearby security or response teams.
- Observe the 10 p.m. curfew for minors, enforced in coordination with the DSSD and BCPO.
- Parents and guardians should closely monitor children and establish a designated meeting point in case family members are separated.
- Follow traffic advisories and cooperate with personnel managing traffic re-routing and road closures.
- Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards when buying food at festival sites.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Emergency response units will be deployed across strategic festival locations. These teams will include ambulances, medical staff, rescue crews, fire responders, police officers, and volunteer emergency groups. Final numbers and specific posting locations will be confirmed closer to the event dates.
Routine site inspections will begin October 1, specifically across festival and food concession areas, with the CHO, BCPO, BENRO, and other departments monitoring compliance with health, environmental, and security rules.
FULL COOPERATION URGED
Crowd density is expected to spike during the second week of MassKara as major event highlights take place. Organizers urge residents, commuters, motorists, business owners, vendors, and visitors to cooperate with authorities during traffic restrictions and crowd-control procedures.
The foundation reiterated that temporary road closures and traffic adjustments are necessary to accommodate large-scale public events and keep both participants and spectators safe.
FSupt. Jenny Mae C. Masip, Bacolod City Fire Marshal, assured the public that the Bureau of Fire Protection Bacolod will be fully deployed to assist with safety operations throughout the festival.*
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