‘It’s all about the drug war’

By Dolly Yasa

Bacolod City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that recent killings in the city, including that of a police officer, are all related to the drug war not only here but in the entire country as well.

“So if you have nothing to do with illegal drugs, then you have nothing to worry. But we don’t condone the killings,” Leonardia told reporters here.

Leonardia said he has ordered Bacolod City Police Chief director, Colonel Henry Biñas, to instruct his personnel in the field to be more alert.

The police should be prepared and as much as possible pre-empt or prevent the occurrence of such crimes, he added.

But Leonardia noted that it appears that the suspects, particularly in the killing of the cop who went absent without official leave last Saturday, were professionals, which could be the reason why it is also difficult for the police to catch them.

He said drug related killings also happen in other areas in the country, not only here.

“Essentially it is a police matter, we cannot act like we are the police here,” Leonardia said.

He also said the city has not been remiss in supporting the BCPO in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Leonardia added that he has also asked Biñas on what other forms of support the city government can extend in the campaign.

Last Saturday, Patrolman Eric Alcosaba was gunned down by four armed unidentified suspects near a fastfood chain at the corner of Burgos Street-Circumferential Road.

Alcosaba was included in an affidavit of self-confessed Berya drug group bagman Ricky Serenio who linked several police officials to the narcotics trade.

Serenio was also gunned down in September 2019.