863 more cops sent to Bacolod for MassKara fest
Dancers perform during the MassKara Festival years back. (File photo from Ronnie Baldonado)
BACOLOD CITY — At least 863 additional policemen were deployed in this city to secure people during the peak of the MassKara Festival from October 21 to 23.
The additional policemen who arrived on Thursday brought the security forces for the festival to about 2,500.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos was set to join the Masskarade Ball at the SMX Convention Center Friday evening, while President Marcos Jr. was expected at the MassKara dancers’ arena competition at the Paglaum Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MassKara Festival director Pinky Mirano Ocampo warned of heavy traffic along Lacson Street with the closure from Friday to Sunday of the Tourism Strip for concerts, sponsors stages, and a food fest.
She advised commuters to take alternative routes.
On Saturday, 13 barangays would join the Electric MassKara that would kick off from Megaworld’s Upper East at 6 p.m. and weave its way to the City Government Center for a dance competition, Ocampo said.
Ocampo urged the public to come early to avoid traffic in the area.
On Sunday, the MassKara streetdance competition will start from the RCBC area at Rizal Street at 1 p.m., pass through Araneta Street and enter the Paglaum Stadium about 3 p.m., where the arena competition will be held.
The stadium gates would be opened to the public at 10 a.m., Ocampo said.
A concert will cap Bacolod’s MassKara Festival at the Paglaum Stadium on Sunday night.
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