The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) formally deployed 1,794 police personnel for security operations during the MassKara Festival 2026, following a send-off ceremony held on September 30, 2026, at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Parade Ground in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.
According to PRO NIR, the deployment aims to strengthen police visibility, prevent crimes, ensure prompt response, and support effective crime solution throughout the duration of the festival in Bacolod City.
Senior Officials and City Mayor Lead Send-Off Rites
The ceremony was led by Police Brigadier General Rudecindo L. Reales, Regional Director of PRO NIR and Task Group Commander, alongside Police Colonel Eugene N. Rebadomia, City Director and Site Task Group Commander.
Bacolod City Mayor Hon. Greg G. Gasataya graced the activity, which was also attended by Police Colonel Dennis C. Wenceslao, Provincial Director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOcPPO), BCPO personnel, representatives from government agencies, and local government officials.
Augmented Force Drawn from Multiple Police Units
PRO NIR said the deployment includes augmented personnel from Provincial Police Offices, the Regional Headquarters, and National Support Units who will reinforce security operations throughout the festival.
Deployed personnel will be organized into various task units to provide continuous security coverage across festival venues, parade routes, public convergence points, transport hubs, and other vital installations. Their mandate covers proactive crime prevention, visible policing, crowd and traffic management, timely response, and coordination in addressing incidents.
Multi-Agency Support and Specialized Capabilities
The security operation will be complemented by personnel and resources from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups, and other force multipliers, according to PRO NIR.
Specialized capabilities deployed include Explosives and Ordnance Division personnel, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups. These assets are intended to strengthen security monitoring, threat detection, emergency response, and public safety operations.
Equipment Includes Patrol Cars, Ambulances, and Metal Detectors
The deployment is supported by a wide array of operational assets, including mobile patrol cars, fire trucks, prisoner transport vehicles, motorcycles, ambulances, crowd dispersal management equipment, handheld radios, and metal detectors.
PRO NIR stated these resources will enhance police mobility, security screening, communication, and rapid response — particularly at festival venues, entry points, and high-traffic locations.
PBGEN Reales Urges Vigilance and Professionalism
In his address to the deployed personnel, PBGEN Reales emphasized that their mission extends beyond security, underscoring their responsibility to protect the public and help create a safe environment for all.
“While others are celebrating, you are serving. While others are enjoying the lights, you are watching over them. And while others are making memories, you are helping make those memories safe. Be vigilant, professional, courteous, and approachable. Be firm when necessary, but always respectful. And most importantly, take care of one another,” Reales said.
He also called on festival-goers to celebrate responsibly, and encouraged local government units, partner agencies, organizers, business establishments, volunteers, and the community to cooperate in maintaining a peaceful and orderly celebration.
“Ultimately, the success of this festival will not only be measured by the size of the crowd or the brightness of the lights. It will be measured by how safely our people celebrated, how peacefully our communities came together, and how well we protected one another. Let us make this year’s Masskara safe, peaceful, orderly, and truly memorable,” he added.
Public Safety Reminders for Festival-Goers
PRO NIR encouraged the public to remain vigilant, follow safety and traffic regulations, secure their belongings, and promptly report suspicious activities or emergencies to the nearest police or emergency response personnel.
The deployment is anchored on the PNP’s national thrust — Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman — emphasizing police visibility, crime prevention, responsive service, and disciplined law enforcement during major public gatherings.
By the Numbers
- 1,794 — Total police personnel deployed for MassKara Festival 2026 security
- September 30, 2026 — Date of the official send-off ceremony at BCPO Headquarters, Bacolod City
- 1 Task Group Commander (PBGEN Reales) and 1 Site Task Group Commander (PCOL Rebadomia) heading the operation
- 8+ agencies involved, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, BJMP, CDRRMO, drone operators, K9 teams, and medical support groups
Why This Matters
The deployment of nearly 1,800 police personnel — supplemented by multiple agencies and specialized units — reflects the scale of security planning required for one of the Philippines’ major regional festivals. PRO NIR’s multi-layered approach, combining visible policing with specialized assets such as drone operators and K9 teams, signals an elevated focus on crowd safety and crime deterrence at a high-attendance public event. Festival-goers, vendors, and visitors in Bacolod City will be directly affected by heightened security measures at venues, parade routes, and transport hubs throughout the celebration.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR / PNP Public Information Office
