Following the fatal stabbing of Grade 10 student Alexes Ginese last month outside the Visayan Maritime Academy (VMA), VMA chairperson, Atty. John N. Orola, convened school principals and their representatives; parents councils; and the owners of boarding houses, internet cafes, and billiard operations for a dialogue with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Office of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was represented by Sammy Montoyo.
The gathering intended to resolve school safety and security matters.
BCPO Mobile Patrol Group head, Police Lieutenant Ronel N. Tapang, confirmed the act was drug-related, but assured the public law enforcement have consistently secured the area.
In response the present parents councils cited various safety issues and appealed for city and barangay officials, along with the police, to provide visible support and assistance 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, Montoyo cited various city ordinances, including those that regulate businesses such as internet cafes and amusement/gambling facilities, along with prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, and assured they would be implemented.
Police visibility is very important to protect not only our students within the school vicinity but the entire city. Police must be pro-active and support from the city government is a big factor in preventing criminal activities.”
Additionally, city ordinances are in place but implementation is always the problem. The people of Bacolod City need the strict implementation of ordinances for their protection./WDJ