By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has assured the public that they are not ignoring the series of shooting incidents in the city this month.

According to BCPO director Colonel Thomas Martir, they will be filing the criminal charges over the case of a certain “Bryan/Drey” who was shot dead at a computer shop in Purok Langis, Barangay Banago, as well as the case involving the murder of tricycle driver Adonis Matulac in the city’s Barangay Singcang-Airport.

Martir said most of the victims in the shooting incidents are involved in illegal drugs.

He also affirmed that he had received direct orders from Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier Gen. Flynn Dongbo to strengthen police visibility, increase patrols, and conduct checkpoint operations across the city specifically targeting motorcycle riders.

Earlier, Dongbo also demanded results from the BCPO, telling them to pursue and arrest the perpetrators and make sure that the criminal cases against them are “airtight.”

The pressure on BCPO to solve and prevent the incident have increased over the past few weeks, as Bacolod netizens started criticizing the police force that the city is becoming “unsafe.”

Meanwhile, the incoming administration of Bacolod City Mayor-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez had already assured the BCPO of full support once he steps into office on July 1.

Among the promises made by Benitez to solve the crime incidents in the city include fuel supplies, additional police vehicles, and additional force multipliers that would augment the existing personnel at the BCPO’s police stations.

He had also promised to provide legal assistance to those who are facing harassment./DGB, WDJ