Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia asked Police Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir to effect tighter security measures and intensified PNP visibility around the Bacolod City Government Center to avert the occurrence of any crime in the area.
Leonardia wrote Martir, the current director of the Bacolod City Police Office, a letter May 30, a day after a 15-year-old resident from Barangay 41 was stabbed to death on by a group of teenagers carrying bladed weapons.
The victim sustained a fatal stab wound and was rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, but did not survive.
“I am deeply disheartened to hear of this unfortunate incident especially so that our administration has always prided itself to have maintained and effectively promoted the BCGC as a popular destination for tourists and families alike, where people of all ages can enjoy a safe and relaxing atmosphere day and night – apparently, until this tragic incident,” the mayor said.
The mayor, therefore, has asked the BCPO to provide an action plan for tighter security around the BCGC 24/7.
“While we have our Public Order and Safety Office personnel on duty on daily basis, we further suggest that regular and constant coordination between them and your office is implemented,” Leonardia told Martir.
Given Martir’s professional expertise, the mayor continued, “we will depend on your guidance and recommendation.”
“I trust that we will never hear of incidents like this at the BCGC,” Leonardia added.*
