Following the fatal shooting of a businessman along Bonifacio Street in Bacolod Sept. 9, Mayor Greg Gasataya assured the safety of Filipino-Chinese business community in the highly-urbanized city.
In a meeting with members of the Bacolod Chamber of Commerce, and Amity Volunteers yesterday afternoon, Sept. 11, Gasataya emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Bacolod maintains zero tolerance for violence. There shall be no leniency and no refuge for those who seek to disrupt the safety and peace of our city,” the mayor, who immediately ordered a thorough investigation on the fatal shooting, stressed.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, P/Colonel Joeresty Coronica, who was also at the meeting, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, assuring both Gasataya and the business sector that authorities are actively addressing the situation. He confirmed that the police are diligently working to apprehend the suspect in the killing of the 52-year-old Filipino-Chinese businessman.
The victim, a civil engineer and contractor supplier, was shot dead while opening his hardware store before 8 a.m. Tuesday.
“The BCPO is doing everything, from implementing preventive measures to assuring that this is an isolated case,” Coronica said, adding that there is no cause for alarm within the business community.
He disclosed that initial investigation suggests the crime may have been motivated by old grudges and business-related conflicts. Police have identified a suspect, believed to be a gun-for-hire.
In a city press release, Amity Club corporate secretary Crispin Chua expressed satisfaction with the progress of the investigation.
He urged members and fellow business owners to assist law enforcement by reviewing CCTV footage from their establishments and providing any relevant evidence.
“We are very satisfied with the action. We are now encouraging our members to check their cameras and relay any footage to us, in case something relevant was captured that time. We are also coordinating with Coronica regarding the possible vehicle used, so we can help in the investigation,” Chua said.
Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Elbert Valencia also praised the strong collaboration between the BCPO and the city government in their efforts to solve the case.
“The police and the mayor are very cooperative in addressing peace and order. We are satisfied with how they are doing their job,” Valencia affirmed.
Gasataya had earlier conveyed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family and pledged his support during this difficult time. ||
