Bacolod City – A resolution strongly condemning the violent killing of a local businessman and other similar incidents in Bacolod City, was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City at a recent session.
Authored by Councilor Em Ang, the resolution also urged the Philippine National Police, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), to implement immediate actions to strengthen community safety, support victims, and prevent further incidents in the city.
Early Monday morning, a businessman was fatally shot right in front of his business establishment, an act of violence that has caused profound grief, alarm, and concern among residents, business owners, and visitors in the city, the resolution said.
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 this tragic loss, it said.
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 the city government, law enforcement, civic organizations, and regional partners, the resolution said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) condemns the violent killing and affirms its commitment to seek justice through a full, timely, and transparent investigation. It calls upon the BCPO to employ all lawful means to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible, it said.
The SP urges the Police City Director to immediately increase visible patrols and community engagement in and around commercial corridors and transit hubs, to conduct a targeted safety assessment of the area where the shooting occurred, and to provide regular briefings to the Sanggunian and the public on investigative progress, as permitted by law, the resolution said.
The SP calls for increased public information and community engagement: for BCPO to share facts (consistent with investigatory constraints), hear community concerns, and outline planned actions to enhance safety, it said.
It also urges the BCPO to review and, where appropriate, strengthen policies around business opening and closing security, offer response protocols and collaboration with private security, and to report recommended policy changes, the resolution said.
The SP also encourages 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, it added. (Chrysee Semillano via tvds)