BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday asked the public to remain calm and vigilant as well as avoid spreading unverified information that could cause undue alarm in the community.
This comes after recent reports circulating on social media regarding alleged robbery and kidnapping attempts in various areas in the city.
“We understand the concern these reports have generated among our residents, and we wish to clarify the situation to prevent unnecessary panic and fear,” said Lieutenant Colonel Bonifacio Ancajas Jr., public information officer of the BCPO.
The BCPO, after thorough investigation and verification, said it has found no substantial evidence to support the claims, adding that the reports were largely unsubstantiated or based on misinformation.
“Misinformation, especially when disseminated through social media, can escalate quickly and create unnecessary fear, which may disrupt the peace and order of our city,” Ancajas said.
The BCPO encourages everyone to report any suspicious activities directly to the nearest police station or through the official communication channels to allow the city police to respond swiftly and appropriately to any genuine threats.
Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, further advised the public to report any related incident to the nearest police station.
“Rest assured that the BCPO is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Bacolod City residents. We have increased patrols and visibility in key areas to further reassure the public of our dedication to maintaining peace and order,” read part of the BCPO statement yesterday.
For his part, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez appealed to everyone to stop spreading fake news or anything that is not true to avoid creating panic and alarm to the general public.
Doing this, he said, is counter-productive and will just cause unnecessary harm to some people.
For further inquiries or to report any concerns, contact the BCPO at 09072780149 / 09985987459, or visit its official Facebook pages: Bacolod City Police Office and Pio Bcpo./PN
