LOCAL businessmen are wary about their safety and security amid recent killing incidents, some involving fellow businessmen, especially in Bacolod City which for them are already alarming.
Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said from a little bit worried, they have reached to an alarming level, as rampant killings have been going on since last year.
Carbon said almost, if not all, of these cases perpetuated by motorcycle-riding suspects were not yet resolved.
The latest is the murder of antique businessman Ernest Baker by two unidentified persons on board a motorcycle at Barangay 7 in the city on July 13.
"We do not know who our enemies are," he said, adding that member businessmen of the chamber were advised to limit their leisure activities.
Carbon warned fellow businessmen that if possible, they should do it in daytime and in places where there are many people.
If there is really a need to go out during night time, they have to refrain from going to dark and isolated places, the business leader added.
MBCCI is composed of at least 150 member-companies and over 20 business associations in Negros Occidental.
Its official said there is a need for local businessmen now to be defensive and extra-cautious also in terms of dealings with other people.
Carbon stressed the need for business owners to ensure their safety and security through one, putting in place various measures like installation of anti-crime devices like alarm and closed circuit television camera (CCTV) in their respective establishments.
The group, he said, will soon sit down with Police Colonel Henry Biñas, head of the Bacolod City Police Office (BPCO), to discuss the security concerns of the business sector.
"We will also ask the police to review its crime map and implement more police visibility in critical areas," Carbon said, stressing that peace and order is vital in maintaining a business-enabling environment.
A "crime-free" community is more attractive to investors, he added.