• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod strongly condemned all acts of violence in the highly-urbanized city, the latest of which was the shooting to death of a Filipino-Chinese businessman in front of his store Sept. 9.
“The safety and security of residents, workers, business owners, and visitors is a top priority of the city, and violent incidents of this nature demand immediate, coordinated action by city government, law enforcement, civic organizations, and regional partners,” stressed the resolution, authored by Councilor Em Ang, and unanimously approved by the SP during their session Sept. 10.
It called on the Bacolod City Police Office to employ all lawful means to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible, as well as immediately increase visible patrols and community engagement in and around commercial corridors and transit hubs.
Romy Li, 52, was gunned down while he was about to open the Bacolod Republic Hardware Inc. before 8 a.m. Tuesday. He sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head, and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
BCPO director, P/Col. Joeresty Coronica, said in a press conference Sept. 10 that Li was killed by a gun-for-hire, adding the police are exerting best effort to locate and arrest the gunman, who fled on board a sports utility vehicle after the crime.
The SP, meanwhile, said there is need for the BCPO “to review and, where appropriate, strengthen policies around business opening and closing security, officer response protocols, and collaboration with private security, and to report recommended policy changes.”
It also urged the community to remain calm, to avoid speculation that could harm ongoing investigations or the privacy of the victim’s family, and to report any information relevant to the crime to law enforcement.
“The Sangguniang Panlungsod condemns in the strongest possible terms all acts of violence, and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, employees, and patrons affected by the tragic loss,” the resolution added. | CGC
