BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — An additional 593 personnel were deployed by the Philippine National Police in this city to secure revelers during the highlights of the 34th MassKara Festival this weekend.
During the start of the 20-day festivity on Oct. 1, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) fielded about 600 policemen.
On Saturday, the city will celebrate its 75th Charter Day with a parade in the afternoon and an anniversary program at the plaza in the evening. It will be followed by the Electric MassKara Dance Parade and the MassKaraland Dance Party along the Lacson Strip.
The celebration will be capped by the MassKara Street and Arena Dance Competition Barangay Category on Sunday.
The additional 593 policemen assigned to maintain peace and order during the MassKara highlights are from the Regional Public Safety Battalion-6, Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Police Regional Office-6 Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.
Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, acting director of BCPO, said the augmentation personnel were deployed starting Thursday to “ensure the maintenance of peace and order, safety and security of the public” during the highlights of the MassKara Festival 2013.
This year’s festival sites include the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod City Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, MassKara by the Bay at the Reclamation Area, and MassKara City at SM City Bacolod.