BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — The recently concluded Masskara Festival 2024 was successful and generally peaceful.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, in a press conference, said this year’s iteration of the anticipated Festival went through without a glitch, despite the inclement weather brought about by tropical cyclones over the past weeks.
“We just had a very successful Masskara [Festival]. The weather cooperated towards the end. Ang last weekend naton was blessed with relatively good weather. Natapos naton ang activities and events,” he said.
(We just had a very successful Masskara [Festival]. The weather cooperated towards the end. Last weekend was blessed with relatively good weather. We were able to complete our activities and events.)
Moreover, Mayor Benitez reported that no significant incidents were recorded by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) related to the festivities and events that began in early October.
BCPO director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica said the local police recorded zero crimes in the festival sites, attributable to the careful planning and close coordination of BCPO with the Regional Task Group Masskara, the City Government, and the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation.
“For the whole duration of Masskara in all festival sites. We have not recorded a major incident related to our celebration,” said Coronica.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Jack Wanky expressed pride in the 3,000-strong police force deployed to ensure peace and order during the entire celebration.
“I am extending my heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies, force multipliers, rescue groups, local government unit, volunteers and our police personnel for their individual contributions and sacrifices that made the entire celebration generally peaceful. We achieved this through our close coordination, collaboration, and cooperation,” Wanky said.
This year’s Masskara Festival highlights included the Masskara Street Dance and Arena Competition, music fests, Mardi Gras, Electric Masskara and Float Parade, a drone show, and Miss Bacolod. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
