
BACOLOD City – All 10 police stations under the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) are on heightened alert following the sightings of an armed group in Barangay Felisa here.
Police Captain Sherwin Galupar, commander of Police Station (PS) 10, said BCPO director Colonel Joeresty Coronica directed all police stations in the city to be vigilant and alert after they have received reports of presence of an armed group here last week.
Police said several individuals were first seen roaming around the said barangay in disguise of having a mental illness.
They were under surveillance for days and were later confirmed as members of an armed group, Galupar said.
“It could either be a diversionary but the target is not really the PS10. It could be other station, so all of the stations should be alert,” he added.
For his part, Coronica cited that there is also a possibility that the target of the armed group is the newly constructed solar power project in Barangay Felisa, which was opposed by several residents.
“The fact that there is sightings of movement of the alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members, possibly they are planning to harass the company which has an existing issue. Sakyan na nila para kuno abi naga-respond man sila kay may reklamo ang iban nga pumuluyo. Pero nabal-an naman nga ang ila diskarte amo nga pwede ginpangayuan nila [company] kag wala naghatag, amo na iban ginasunog, ang iban ginaguba.”
The BCPO chief added: “Ang iban pa gani nga criminal elements gina-take advantage nila na, and disguised themselves also nga members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA para mag-extort.
Coronica then advised other firms that have received extortion letters to coordinate with the police so that proper actions will be taken.
He also reminded those who are giving extortion money that it is being prohibited under the anti-terrorism act and there is a corresponding penalty./PN