By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the killing of a city resident, as local officials move to address rising public concern over violent crimes and unresolved murder cases.

Through a resolution, the city council urged the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to expedite its probe into the fatal shooting of Jonel Besaña and intensify efforts to solve other pending homicide cases.

Besaña, a resident of Purok Talaba in Barangay Singcang-Airport, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while waiting to pick up his wife near a shopping mall.

The killing in Barangay 13 on April 9, carried out in proximity to Police Station 1, has raised alarm over the audacity of criminals operating in the area.

City officials described the killing as deeply troubling, noting that such incidents undermine the public’s sense of safety.

Councilor Caesar Distrito stressed that residents deserve to feel secure in their communities, warning that brazen attacks in busy areas heighten fear among citizens.

Councilor Pao Sy, for her part, emphasized that unsolved killings not only deny justice to victims and their families but also weaken trust in law enforcement institutions.

She underscored the need for urgency, transparency and decisive action to prevent further crimes.

The council also pointed out that Besaña reportedly had no known enemies, making the motive behind the attack unclear and reinforcing the need for a comprehensive investigation.

The resolution further calls on BCPO, led by Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia, to identify and arrest those responsible, strengthen intelligence operations, review unsolved cases, and enhance police visibility in public areas.

City officials expressed hope that decisive measures will restore public confidence and deter criminal activity across Bacolod./CJ, WDJ