By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito responded to a series of social media posts tagging Bacolod City as “not safe,” following a number of robbery incidents, by saying those making such statements are “just scaring people.”
“They are the ones discrediting their own city, they are just scaring people,” he explained.
The city councilor called for calm among city residents and noted, while it is normal to be concerned with what is going on, the publication of such messages do not help the situation.
Additionally, with the city preparing for next month’s MassKara Festival, Distrito believes such posts could scare away potential visitors.
“Let us just be vigilant without spreading fear and unhelpful posts,” the local legislator added.
He also addressed the victims of robberies who post their stories on social media to instead report the incident to police.
“If the cops arrest the suspect, the victim should press charges,” Distrito said. “If their case gets dismissed, for sure, they will return to their robbery activities.”
Last week, the city councilor urged the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to promote more police visibility throughout the city, particularly where petty crimes are reportedly escalating.
BCPO acting director, Police Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, meanwhile, assured law enforcement is on top of the situation, pointing out around 100 new cops will augment the city’s police force./WDJ