By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) came under fire following recent posts on social media claiming a spike in hold-up incidents, among other petty crimes, taking place in the city, BCPO acting director Police Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky said law enforcement is on top of the situation.
He explained there are around 100 former officers of Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) who will now augment the city’s police force.
Wanky added, Police Senior Inspector Victor Paulino has since been tasked with heading the Police Trackers Team, which will focus on hold-up incidents in the city.
He also appealed to those posting on social media to be careful with what they write, saying, “Please do not exaggerate, it creates panic.”
Last week, City Councilor Caesar Distrito urged the BCPO to promote more police visibility throughout the city, particularly where petty crimes are reportedly escalating.
Beyond crimes such as theft and robbery, Distrito also wants to see more emphasis on combating vandalism, public smoking, and minors violating the nightly curfew./WDJ