Bacolod Sustains Cash Rewards for Unsolved Killings

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government will continue offering cash rewards for information leading to the resolution of unsolved killings, a program initiated by former Mayor and now Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.

“The incentives will continue if they help the campaign of local enforcement against illegal drugs or other crimes,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a press conference Monday.

Gasataya confirmed that the city has an allocated budget for the program.

In 2023, Benitez approved cash rewards ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP50,000 for credible informants who could help police solve killings in the city.

Since its implementation, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has solved two cases as of November 2024.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, earlier welcomed the program, saying it encourages initially hesitant witnesses to come forward.

On July 1, Gasataya visited the BCPO headquarters and met with personnel while observing a simulation exercise of the police force’s five-minute response time.

The simulation aimed to test response speed and assess the effectiveness of deployment strategies.

“I commend them for their campaign against illegal drugs,” Gasataya said, following the BCPO’s recent accomplishments.

He urged the police to maintain consistent operations in partnership with other agencies.

The mayor also assured full support for the BCPO’s operational needs in its campaign against illegal activities.

Meanwhile, BCPO remains confident in achieving the national goal of a five-minute response time, despite challenges with traffic and limited resources.

During the July 1 simulation exercise, observed by Gasataya and Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), police units responded to random locations—including Bangga Cory in Barangay Taculing and Komisyonan Sibucao in Barangay Banago—in under five minutes.

Coronica acknowledged that traffic congestion remains the biggest obstacle, as many patrol units still rely on four-wheeled vehicles, though motorcycles are available.

“If we can’t beat the five-minute goal due to traffic, that’s understandable,” he said.

“But if we fail to meet the target without valid reasons, that’s a problem.”

Gasataya reiterated the city’s commitment to improving traffic flow through upgraded traffic lights and identifying intersections for new signal installations.

However, he noted that hiring additional traffic enforcers depends on budget availability.

Coronica emphasized the need for area familiarity among patrollers to reduce response time.

He said that while Bacolod has fewer police stations compared to other districts, the five-minute goal remains attainable with proper strategy and resource management.

“With the right attitude, we can do more,” he said.

To boost mobility, the BCPO has reactivated its Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives and Tactical Motorcycle Units, complementing station-level and mobile patrol teams.

“We cannot afford to be stagnant and just rest on our laurels,” Coronica said.

“We have to keep improving our services and capabilities.”