• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) is moving to intensify security measures at the city plaza following a recent theft incident, and ongoing challenges with staffing and street dwellers.
POSO Officer-in-Charge Patrick Halili confirmed that authorities are reassessing deployment strategies after two sacks of copper wiring were stolen from a plaza construction site last month.
While the materials were under the watch of a private contractor’s security, the incident was officially recorded and reported to the police, prompting the contractor to replace their security detail.
Halili clarified that POSO currently manages the perimeter outside the construction fence, while the General Services Office provides 24/7 monitoring.
To address security gaps, POSO is coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office Director Eugene Rebadomia and Police Station 1 to establish a regular patrol schedule and increase police visibility.
While it aims to manage issues involving street dwellers and ‘rugby boys,’ who have reportedly shown resistance to POSO personnel, Halili said the authority remains with the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force.
The current staffing for the plaza remains limited, with only four personnel deployed for the day shift and five for the night shift.
Halili stated that he intends to meet with the Mayor Greg Gasataya and City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo to request for 12 additional personnel to man the four stations across the plaza once it is fully opened to the public.*
