BACOLOD City— The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has urged intensified police and barangay patrols across the city amid reported cases of theft, snatching, akyat-bahay and other criminal incidents.
The call was made through a resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang and approved during the SP’s regular session on August 26, urging the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), barangay officials and barangay public safety officers or tanods to strengthen peacekeeping and crime-prevention efforts.
The resolution cited reports circulating through news and social media platforms about theft, snatching and akyat-bahay incidents in various barangays, occurring both during the day and at night.
It noted that residents, including children, teenagers and senior citizens, have been among those affected, contributing to fear and a growing sense of insecurity in some communities.
Under the resolution, police officers and barangay tanods are urged to increase foot and mobile patrols, particularly in identified crime hotspots, and maintain a visible presence in residential streets, public markets, terminals and other high-risk areas.
The SP also called for accessible reporting mechanisms, functioning hotlines and quick-response teams to enable residents to immediately seek assistance when crimes occur.
Police and barangay authorities were further urged to promptly act on reported incidents, including investigating and pursuing suspects while observing due process of law.
The resolution also encouraged closer coordination among the city government, barangay councils and community stakeholders in identifying crime-prone areas and implementing targeted crime-prevention measures.
These include the installation or repair of closed-circuit television cameras and streetlights in areas vulnerable to criminal activity.
The SP likewise emphasized the need for regular information campaigns to educate residents, particularly children, teenagers and senior citizens, on basic personal safety and crime-prevention measures.
BCPO City Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia said theft incidents increased in August compared with the previous months.
He said the police are intensifying their visibility efforts as part of measures to keep the city safe and secure.
The city council stressed that maintaining peace and order is a shared responsibility among law enforcement agencies, barangay officials and the community.
It said a stronger and more visible presence of police officers and tanods, coupled with faster response to reported incidents, could help deter criminal activity and reassure residents that their safety remains a priority./PN
