Authorities have raised alarms over a surge in illegal drug operations in Bacolod City amid the ongoing MassKara Festival.
Police earlier said they have seized nearly ₱3 million worth of suspected shabu in a series of buy-bust operations from September 30 to October 3 across several barangays.
Lt. Col. Antonio Benitez of the Bacolod City Drug Enforcement Unit said the operations involved six high-value individuals and an 18-year-old woman. He noted that this year’s drug haul has already surpassed last year’s totals.
Benitez assured residents and visitors that police are closely monitoring known drug personalities as the festival, which runs until October 19, draws larger crowds. Citizens’ group Bantay Masid also urged communities, schools, and churches to help prevent drug-related activities during the festivities. Edwin Ombion
