By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has stepped up its anti-crime and emergency response capabilities, deploying specialized motorcycle units to enhance police visibility and reach across the city, particularly in hard-to-access areas and congested public markets.

BCPO Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said the Tactical Motorcycle Response Unit and the Motorcycle Anti-Street Crime Operatives are now operating under the Mobile Patrol Unit in line with Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III’s directive for a five-minute police response time via 911.

“These units, with their mobility, stealth and speed, allow us to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, especially in places where patrol cars cannot easily enter,” Coronica said.

“We want to make sure help gets to our communities as fast as possible,” he added.

The move also responds to calls from Bacolod City Councilor Celia Matea Flor, chairperson of the committee on markets, for stronger police visibility in the city’s three busiest public markets — Central, Burgos and Libertad Markets.

Flor stressed that these markets, serving thousands of vendors and consumers daily, are vulnerable to petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft, particularly during peak hours and weekends.

“Increasing police presence in these areas not only deters crime but also boosts public confidence in safety and supports the smooth flow of economic activity,” Flor said.

BCPO said it will coordinate with market administrators and barangay officials to maximize patrol coverage and ensure that both vendors and customers can conduct business in a safe, orderly environment./CJ, WDJ