• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government will deploy private security guards at the Bacolod City Public Plaza starting June 1, to monitor and manage the security in the area.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said that six security guards will work in shifts to maintain order, with the initial deployment set from June to December.
Security forces will be reinforced, as the blue guards will be augmented by personnel from the Public Order and Safety Office, the BCPO, and General Services Office job orders.
According to Mayo, the implementation of regulations for barkers at the public plaza is currently ongoing, in partnership with the Bacolod City Police Office.
He said that coordination has been made with the Police Station 1 commander to gather the barkers and discuss the local government’s approach.
He emphasized that the city is looking into providing alternative livelihoods for the barkers while simultaneously enforcing discipline and strict regulations.
However, Mayo noted that the provision of these livelihood programs will depend on the barkers’ reception and commitment during their upcoming orientation, acknowledging that the individuals rely on the activity for their daily income.*
