BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has urged the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to intensify police visibility in three major public markets in this city.
A resolution on this was approved by the SP, according to Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the committee on markets.
The three major public markets – Libertad, Burgos and Central – serve as key commercial and community hubs for thousands of vendors, consumers, and commuters daily.
Flor said these markets are often congested and vulnerable to petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and other disturbances that compromise public safety and order.
She said that while the SP recognizes the efforts of the BCPO and the Office of the City Mayor in maintaining peace and order in the city, it also seeks to further strengthen these efforts through enhanced deployment in identified high-traffic public areas.
“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 councilor added that vendors and market-goers have also raised concerns over the need for stronger police presence in the aforementioned public markets, especially during peak hours and weekends./PN
