Carrying firearms outside of residence has been prohibited during the weekend highlights of the 43rd Masskara Festival until Sunday, an advisory from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said.
The BCPO received the approval for the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside of residence on Friday through a memorandum addressed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, police city director.
Lt. Ma. Liberty Indiape, deputy public information officer of BCPO, said on Friday night the gun ban took effect immediately in the entire city and will run until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
Allowed to carry firearms are the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms.
“This is to ensure that the activity will be free from firearm-related incidents and for the safety of the community, as well as local and foreign tourists,” the BCPO said in a statement.
It added that the police and the city government aim for a safe and crime-free celebration.
The BCPO also sought the cooperation of the public to do their share in making the festival a success by following the rules and regulations set by the local government unit.
A total of 2,174 police personnel of the BCPO, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas), and other police units across the region have been deployed during the final three days of the festival until Sunday.
Festival highlights include the Electric Masskara float parade and dance-off competition at the Megaworld’s The Upper East and Government Center grounds on Saturday night, and the Masskara street and arena dance competition at the Paglaum Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Philippines News Agency