BCPO: Masskara crime-related incidents down by 39%
BACOLODCITY – As the 29thMasskara Festival ended last October 19, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported that crime-related incidents on the duration of the festival decreased by 39% compared to last year.
BCPO Chief Operations Officer Antonieto Cañete said that the cooperation and support of every individual made the yearly celebration a very peaceful and orderly one.
He gave credit to the police personnel and volunteers like barangay tanods and crime stoppers who in one way to another contributed a lot in the maintenance of peace and order.
"The good news is, there was no recorded crime of murder or homicide compared to last year when there was one, and three in 2006," Cañete said.
Alarm and scandal cases topped the records with 50; illegal possession of deadly weapon – 43; physical injuries – 11; inciting to sedition – 1; robbery – 1; theft -10; estafa – 5.
Illegal possession of firearms with 5; violation of R.A 9165 (illegal drugs) – 3 while shoplifting and pickpocket recorded 3.
Senior Insp. Levy Pangue, BCPO Traffic and Management Unit and Bacolod Traffic Authority chief, also reported zero-traffic incidents
Meanwhile, Councilor Homer Bais, chairman of the Committee on Tourism, said he was very happy with the outcome of the festival since his office did not receive any negative reports.
Bais said, though they have the long list of something to be corrected next time but over-all the festival was really enjoyed by the people including domestic and foreign tourists.