By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is conducting a deeper investigation into the rock-throwing incident at a restaurant owned by an Israeli national in the city’s Barangay Villamonte.
The local police are now seriously looking into the incident, as threats against Israelis continue to grow worldwide due to the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
BCPO Station 4 commander, Captain Peter John Ramos, said they are currently gathering more information to identify the suspect behind the alleged “hate crime.”
An initial investigation revealed that restaurant owner, 65-year-old Samuel Haimovich, had no previous history of conflicts or grievances against other individuals.
Ramos said Haimovich’s neighbors, who are also foreigners, regard him as a “very friendly individual.”
The station commander added that since his neighbors have a good relationship with Haimovich, they were clearly not the ones responsible for the attack.
Haimovich decided to settle down in Bacolod City in 2017 after he married a Filipina.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) said they have not recorded any other attacks against Israeli nationals who visited or have become residents in the province since the Israel-Hamas war began in October of last year.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Major Rhojn Darell Nigos said they regularly visit tourism spots in the province to make sure that all tourists are safe, and engage with focal persons to determine if there are incoming foreign visitors.
He also emphasized the importance of properly accommodating and managing guests.
On early Sunday morning, January 21, Haimovich’s restaurant, located along La Salle Avenue, was targeted in an alleged hate crime.
Haimovich said his business establishment’s glass window was shattered by a huge rock with the words “Free Palestine.”
No one was hurt in the incident.
Police Station 4 is now investigating the incident, and initial motives for the attack may be related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian-militant group Hamas.
It can be recalled that Hamas launched a massive attack against Israel in October last year./DGB, WDJ