• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City is set to become the first in the Negros Island Region (NIR) to utilize electric patrol cars, as the city government prepares to donate ten electric vehicles (EV) to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that a budget of P14 million has been allocated for the procurement of the units, which will be distributed among the city’s ten police stations within the quarter to modernize their response capabilities.
He noted that the city will purchase the vehicle as part of compliance for the use of green vehicles and is more economical in terms of the usage of the Philippine National Police in Bacolod.
“We chose the PNP because they need our support and they’ve been doing their best as we can see from their accomplishments. We will give all the support needed by the Bacolod police to improve and ensure our peace and order in our city,” Gasataya said.
BCPO Director PCol. Joeresty Coronica said that once the units arrived, the Bacolod police will be the model of EV patrol cars in the NIR.
The initiative was announced alongside a turnover of other logistical equipment, including 36 personal computers, 34 printers, and over 40,000 rounds of ammunition to enhance both administrative and tactical operations, yesterday.
The city director said the turned over items will be used for the administrative aspect of the police office.*TMD
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has expressed gratitude to the Bacolod City Government for sustained support to uniformed personnel, following the turnover of additional equipment and logistical assistance led by the Mayor, according to a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office.
Coronica thanked the local government for providing resources that will significantly boost police operations and administrative efficiency.
“We are thankful because this equipment will surely enhance the administrative and operational capabilities of the police. From the men and women of the Bacolod City Police Office, we extend our gratitude and hope for your continued support to the BCPO. Rest assured that all the support given by the city will be reciprocated through good and quality service to the people of Bacolod City,” Coronica said.
The turnover included 36 personal computers, 34 printers, and 40,800 rounds of 9mm ammunition — resources Coronica described as vital to improving daily police work and strengthening training, especially for SWAT personnel.
Gasataya emphasized that the city’s support for uniformed personnel extends beyond words, noting financial and logistical assistance as key components of its peace and order agenda.
“I remember when I was still a councilor, the allowance was only about P500. Now, it is already P2,000 monthly — something that can really help our personnel,” the mayor said, adding that the allowance is now in effect.
The city’s ongoing investment in law enforcement includes the turnover of two armored vans to the BCPO SWAT team last year, underscoring its long-term commitment to public safety.
Also present at the turnover were Deputy City Director for Administration Police Lt. Col. Mary Rose Salve Pico, Deputy City Director for Operations Police Lt. Col. Lester Leada, Chief of the City Operations Management Unit Police Lt. Col. Joery Puerto, and BCPO uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.*
