Bacolod top cop reminds officers to remain cool

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Cooler heads always prevail.

This was stressed by Police Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir, acting director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), as he reminded the city police force to be calm in dealing with people to prevent untoward incidents.

Martir recalled a recent incident involving Police Staff Sergeant Benjie Giron, 48, of Barangay Granada here, who was killed in an altercation with 27-year-old Regie Buatag last Sunday.

Buatag was believed to be drunk when the incident happened at Barangay Estefania.

“It was unfortunate nga nag-initay sila kag wala gid naiwasan nga amo to natabo,” Martir said.

Giron, traffic investigator in Police Station 6, was supposed to get volcanic soil from the shop of his cousin when he met Buatag, who was working at the shop.

Police have yet to determine what really triggered the altercation.

Giron and Buatag, who was allegedly armed with a bladed weapon, grappled with the cop’s issued .9mm caliber until it fired hitting the former and causing his death.

Homicide charges were already filed against Buatag, who is detained at Police Station 4.

Martir said they were reminded by the national headquarters to stay calm even before this incident happened.

“Indi magpainit sa work, and dapat cool head always prevail in dealing with people,” he added.

The BCPO is currently on a half-mast as they mourn the death of their colleague.

Martir said they also extended assistance to Giron’s family.