Vice mayor: The city’s drug problem needs to be addressed
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) deputy director, Police Lt. Colonel Jovie Espenido, has asked the Bacolod City government for additional logistical support for their campaign against criminality and illegal drugs. According to the law enforcement official, since his arrival in Bacolod City, he noticed the BCPO has “several equipment woes,” noting a lack of police vehicles and fuel.
He also pointed out food supply shortages for police officers conducting operations, along with a lacking incentive system for the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
Espenido recalled, during his time in Ozamis City, he asked the city government for motorcycles and the city immediately complied the following day and delivered 10 motorcycles. In addition, the Ozamis City government also contracted one gasoline station to provide fuel for police vehicles.
In response to the request, Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said he fully supports the needs of the BCPO and, explained, a written request to Mayor Evelio Leonardia is required and they will “immediately act on it.”
He clarified, the city government already provides monthly financial support in the amount of P470,000.
Meanwhile, in response to Espenido calling Bacolod City a “shabulized city,” the vice mayor said, “There’s really a problem that needs to be addressed.”
Familiaran added, he believes the city is being used as a “junction for illegal drugs bound for other cities in Negros Occidental,” noting the city’s many entry and exit points.
He also expressed hope Espenido will successfully address the drug problem./DGB, WDJ