The Philippines National Police has requested the shutdown of cellular phone network services in certain areas of Bacolod City during the highlights of the MassKara Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said Wednesday.
The request in to jam mobile phones services in The Upper East going to the Bacolod City Government Center during the Electric MassKara from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, he said.
Signal jamming has also been requested along the route of the MassKara street dancing competition at Rizal and Araneta streets to the arena performance site at the Paglaum Sports Complex from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, he said.
The request has yet to be approved by the National Telecommunications Commission.
Col. Noel Aliño, Bacolod police director, said the signal jamming was recommended by the PNP higher command for security reasons.
Benitez said First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and several senators will be arriving for the highlights of the festival.
There is no confirmation yet on whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on an official trip to Saudi Arabia, can make it, Benitez said.*