BACOLOD City – The city government and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) have assured the business community of their safety and security following the killing of a businessman and contractor on September 9 along Bonifacio Street, Barangay 12.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, BCPO director Colonel Joeresty Coronica, officers of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and members of the Amity Club met recently at the Bacolod City Government Center to address the issue.
Gasataya reaffirmed the city’s zero-tolerance stance against violence.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Bacolod City maintains zero tolerance for violence. There shall be no leniency and no refuge for those who seek to disrupt the safety and peace of our city,” he stressed.
Coronica, for his part, assured both the mayor and business leaders that the police are working to solve the case and prevent similar incidents. He confirmed that authorities are pursuing a suspect in the killing of 52-year-old Filipino-Chinese businessman Romy Li, a civil engineer and construction supplier who was gunned down while opening his hardware store.
“The BCPO is doing everything, from implementing preventive measures to ensuring this is an isolated case,” Coronica said, adding that initial findings suggest the attack may have stemmed from old grudges and business-related conflicts.
He further disclosed that the suspect, believed to be a hired gun, may have acted under orders.
Amity Club corporate secretary Crispin Chua said they are satisfied with the progress of the probe and encouraged members of the business community to assist police by reviewing CCTV footage from their establishments.
“We are encouraging our members to check their cameras and relay any footage to us, in case something relevant was captured. We are also coordinating with Colonel Coronica regarding the possible vehicle used so we can help in the investigation,” Chua noted.
Elbert Valencia, president of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., also praised the collaboration between the city government and police.
“The police and the mayor are very cooperative in addressing peace and order. We are satisfied with how they are doing their job,” Valencia said.
Gasataya earlier expressed condolences to Li’s family and vowed full support, ordering a thorough investigation in close coordination with BCPO.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod Tay Tung High School community mourned the loss of Li, who served as an officer of its Alumni Association, a trustee, and a devoted parent. In a statement, the school strongly condemned the “tragic and senseless” killing, describing Li as “a proud Taytungian whose life of service, leadership, and generosity had a profound impact on many lives.”
The school community has joined calls for justice./PN
