• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) urged victims of theft and robbery to prioritize filing official reports with law enforcement instead of simply posting about their experiences on social media.
BCPO Officer-in-Charge Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia noted that while social media is frequently used to share information, it does not serve as a legal basis for police action.
Official blotter entries and formal complaints are required for the police to secure arrest warrants and initiate the prosecution of suspects.
Rebadomia added that if residents do choose to share information online for public awareness, they should ensure the post includes specific details such as the exact date, time, and location of the incident.
“I appeal to the people of Bacolod: if crime incidents occur, please call 911 or contact our police directly instead of posting on Facebook. Social media cannot provide a solution, and posting without taking official action only risks spreading misinformation to the public,” he said.
He noted that just last week, two hold-up victims who reported the crime to the police immediately led to the swift arrest of the suspects.
The BCPO reported that the recent decrease in the city’s recorded crime incidents is largely due to complainants who coordinated directly with their local stations.
The formal reports allowed investigators to successfully identify and apprehend several individuals who are currently facing theft and robbery charges.*
