The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) announced on Friday, August 22, that it is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of participants and guests at the highly anticipated MassKara Festival 2025 in Bacolod City.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO NIR regional director, led an emergency meeting on Thursday, August 21, at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City to finalize preparations for the festival, which is scheduled from September 30 to October 19.
The meeting focused on the comprehensive security plan and operational readiness of PRO NIR.
Key topics included the presentation of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Security Plan and the deployment strategy to protect both residents and tourists during the month-long event, a PRO-NIR press release said.
A major part of the discussion was the use of drones for real-time aerial surveillance and crowd monitoring. This technology will help ground units quickly respond to incidents by supporting the 5-minute response policy, it said.
Additionally, specialized units, including Special Weapons and Tactics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, K9, and traffic enforcement, will be strategically deployed in high-density areas and critical locations. Personnel will be positioned to ensure maximum police visibility along parade routes, at concert venues, public transport terminals, and tourist spots, the press release said.
Ibay emphasized the importance of both police visibility and proactive community engagement to build public trust and deter crime.
The meeting also highlighted close inter-agency collaboration with various partners, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices. These agencies will assist with emergency response, traffic management, medical support, and intelligence sharing, it said.
Ibay said that this multi-agency approach is crucial for a safe and successful festival, especially with the expected influx of local and international visitors. He called for ongoing coordination and joint simulation exercises leading up to and during the event.
PRO NIR’s proactive measures and forward planning aim to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees of the MassKara Festival 2025, the press release said.*