• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Police Office has been asked to strengthen its presence in the three major public markets in the city.
Councilor Celia Matea Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets, said the increased police visibility “serves as an effective deterrent to crime, promotes public confidence in local security, and ensures that economic activities in the markets can thrive in a safe and orderly environment.”
Flor said the Central, Burgos, and Libertad markets are key commercial and community hubs for thousands of vendors, consumers, and commuters daily. But “these markets are often congested and vulnerable to petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, theft, and other disturbances that compromise public safety and order.”
Vendors and marketgoers have raised concerns over the need for stronger police presence in these areas, especially during peak hours and on weekends, the councilor said in her resolution approved by the SP recently.
There is need to further strengthen the efforts of the BCPO and the city government in maintaining peace and order, through the enhanced deployment of police personnel in identified high-traffic public areas, the SP said.
The BCPO, under city director, P/Col. Joeresty Coronica, already intensified its anti-crime and emergency response operations, through the deployment of the Tactical Motorcycle Response Unit (TMRU) under the Mobile Patrol Unit and the Motorcycle Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO) in various police stations.
This is in line with the directive of the Philippine National Police headquarters, for a five-minute police response time through 911, the BCPO said in a press release Aug. 9. “These specialized motorcycle units aim to enhance police visibility and accessibility, particularly in areas where mobile patrol cars cannot easily penetrate.”
The TMRU and MASCO will provide swift and efficient response to incidents or emergencies requiring immediate police action, ensuring that assistance reaches communities faster and more effectively, the BCPO said. | CGC
