• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Police Office and barangay officials have been urged to strengthen and make more visible patrol and peacekeeping operations against snatching, akyat-bahay, and other forms of criminality within the city.
Recent reports across news media and social platforms noted an increase in theft, snatching, and akyat-bahay incidents occurring in various barangays of Bacolod City, and have victimized residents indiscriminately, Councilor Em Ang said in a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod recently.
These have caused fear, distress, and a sense of insecurity among constituents, it added, noting that “visible and consistent presence of police officers, barangay officials, and tanods on the streets and in residential areas serves as a strong deterrent against criminal activities.”
Swift and decisive response to these incidents is critical, not only in apprehending perpetrators but also in reassuring the public that their safety is being actively protected, the SP said.
Barangay officials and tanods should strengthen and intensify foot and mobile patrols, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for theft, snatching, and akyat-bahay incidents, during both daytime and nighttime hours, the resolution stressed.
There is also a need to increase visibility of uniformed personnel and tanods in residential streets, public markets, terminals, and other high-risk areas; ensure the availability and responsiveness of tanods and police personnel through functioning hotlines, quick response teams, and accessible reporting mechanisms for residents; and identify crime-prone areas and implement targeted crime prevention strategies, including the possible installation or repair of CCTV cameras and street lighting in affected areas, it added. | CGC
