Mayor orders city’s top cop to tighten BCGC security

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Tuesday ordered Police Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir to impose tighter security measures and intensified PNP visibility around the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) to avert crimes from happening in the area.

Leonardia issued the order after a 15-year-old resident of Barangay 41 was stabbed to death Sunday night by a group of teenagers carrying bladed weapons.

The victim was rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, but he did not survive.

“I am deeply disheartened to hear of this unfortunate incident especially so that our administration has always prided itself to have maintained and effectively promoted the BCGC as a popular destination for tourists and families alike, where people of all ages can enjoy a safe and relaxing atmosphere day and night – apparently, until this tragic incident,” Leonardia said.

The mayor asked the BCPO to provide an action plan for tighter security around the BCGC on a 24/7 basis.

“While we have our POSO personnel on duty on daily basis, we further suggest that regular and constant coordination between them and your office is implemented,” Leonardia told Martir.

Given Martir’s professional expertise, the mayor continued, “we will depend on your guidance and recommendation”.

“I trust that we will never hear of incidents like this at the BCGC,” Leonardia added.