BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is working to get to the bottom of several shootings here and may soon file charges, according to Police Colonel Thomas Martir, city police director.
Two of such cases were the shooting of a certain “Bryan/Drey” at a computer shop in Purok Langis, Barangay Banago, and of tricycle driver Adonis Matulac at Barangay Singcang-Airport.
According to Martir, most of the shootings were drug-related.
He also confirmed having received a direct order from Police Regional Office 6 director, Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, to strengthen police visibility, increase patrols and conduct checkpoint operations targeting motorcycle riders.
Dongbo wanted the BCPO to produce results, that is, arrest the perpetrators and file “airtight” criminal charges against them.
These past few weeks netizens of Bacolod stepped up their criticism of the BCPO for the city police’s perceived inaction on the series of shootings.
They also expressed fear that Bacolod was becoming unsafe.
The incoming administration of Mayor-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez already assured the BCPO of full support beginning July 1.
Among the promises made by Benitez to solve and/or curb crimes in the city include police fuel supply for patrol vehicles, more police vehicles, and additional force multipliers that would augment the existing personnel of the BCPO.
Benitez also promised legal assistance to policemen./PN
