• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Mayor Greg Gasataya said yesterday that the crime rate in Bacolod City has decreased by 50 percent from March to April 2026, compared to the same period the previous year.
He also noted that the overall crime rate for the Negros Island Region decreased by 38 percent.
The mayor said that the decrease is a joint effort with the Philippine National Police.
Gasataya emphasizes that the city’s current challenge is to sustain and enhance its progress through consistent local government support, increased police visibility, and the importance of strict curfew enforcement for minors.*TMD
EV COP CARS
Meanwhile, the city government turned over 10 electric vehicles worth P1.4 million each to the police yesterday.
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), expressed confidence in further reducing criminality following the turnover of the city’s newly acquired electric vehicle (EV) fleet to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
The ceremonial turnover and blessing was held at the Bacolod City Government Center on April 27, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Gasataya emphasized that the deployment of 10 EVs, with a total cost of P14 million, marks a significant step in strengthening police mobility while promoting sustainable and energy-efficient governance.
“By doing this, their mobility and visibility will improve, as they will no longer have to worry about fuel costs and liquidation processes. This simple ceremony reflects Bacolod’s direction in expressing gratitude to our PNP,” he said.
Ibay underscored that the added mobility provided by the EV fleet will play a vital role in enhancing police response and visibility across the city.
“We all know that we do not control the increase in fuel prices. You can rest assured that we will reciprocate this support through improved police service here in Bacolod City. This is also in line with the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government for safer cities and safer communities across the Philippines. As mentioned, the crime rate in the city has gone down, and we intend to lower it even further. Increased mobility for our police personnel will greatly help achieve this,” Ibay said.
In addition to the EV fleet, the Philippine National Police also turned over one Tourist Police Unit to the city, further strengthening security efforts in key areas. The unit is expected to enhance tourist safety, provide assistance services, and improve police visibility in major destinations across Bacolod City.
Gasataya, meanwhile, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting the police force, recognizing their sacrifices in ensuring public safety.
“When the police commit to protecting the people, they are willing to sacrifice their time and even their lives, and they truly live up to that commitment. In our own way, the City of Bacolod is striving to give its full support to our police. That is why starting 2026, we increased the allowances of our Bacolod PNP. We know it is not enough, but it is a symbol that Bacolod is 100 percent supportive of their work,” the mayor said.
With the integration of the EV fleet and the Tourist Police Unit, the Bacolod City Police Office is expected to further strengthen its capacity to respond to incidents, ensure visitor safety, and maintain peace and order across the city.*
