BACOLOD City — The Negros Occidental Provincial Government suspended work in its offices Wednesday afternoon, September 9, following a reported shooting threat allegedly made by a private citizen inside the Provincial Administrator’s Office.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the decision was made after Capitol security personnel and members of the provincial administration reported that a private citizen had arrived at the Capitol and allegedly threatened to shoot provincial government employees.
“In order to secure the premises and protect our provincial government employees, we will be suspending work in the offices this afternoon,” Nellas said.
According to Nellas, the private citizen went to the office of Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz to request the pullout of a document.
However, the individual reportedly failed to present a receiving copy or any other documentation showing that the documents had previously been submitted.
Nellas explained that requests involving official documents normally require the requesting party to present a receiving copy or proof of the original submission.
Without such documentation, the provincial government could not determine the appropriate action on the request, he said.
The situation reportedly escalated when the individual became angry, allegedly used profane language and threatened to shoot employees after his request could not be immediately fulfilled.
Capitol security personnel were alerted and subsequently escorted the individual out of the premises.
The incident reportedly occurred around lunchtime.
Nellas said the temporary suspension of office operations was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of employees and secure the Capitol premises following the reported threat.
As of presstime, authorities had yet to provide further details regarding any investigation or possible charges in connection with the incident./PN
