LOCAL business group Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) is alarmed anew of the recent killing incidents in Bacolod City, its official said.
Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of MBCCI, said crimes especially killings are eyesores to the city.
Carbon said the recent killings in the city whether, or not, involving businessmen are already alarming.
“For the business sector, this is worrisome,” he said, adding that “killing in general is an eyesore as it negatively impacts the business climate of the city.”
Several killing incidents were reported in the city since last month.
The latest was on Tuesday, December 3, when a businessman who was abducted by three armed men was found dead at a grassy area in Barangay Mandalagan.
The victim was identified as Ontao Sacar, 66, a native of Marawi City and currently residing at the said barangay.
His head was wrapped with packing tape while his mouth was covered with duct tape.
A placard stating “Wag Tularan. Bigtime Pusher Ako” was placed in the victim’s neck while “I [a heart symbol] Drugs” was written on his stomach.”
The victim, who sustained two gunshot wounds on the head, has previously surrendered to the police’s Oplan Tokhang.
Aside from his alleged involvement in illegal drugs, authorities are also looking into the possibility that the crime has something to do with his business.
The victim, who is selling cellphone accessories at a mall in the city, is the former president of Muslim Association Maranao Tribe.
On November 27, a decomposing body of a 25-year-old man was found at a vacant lot in Barangay Taculing.
The victim identified as Arjay Espinase, a resident of Barangay Banago, was missing for five days.
Investigation showed that the victim was last seen by his friends in a birthday party.
When they were about to go home, the victim informed his friends that he will be meeting someone within the barangay.
The police have yet to identify the suspect.
On November 8, Jail Officer 1 Jayvee Jason Vargas, 28, of Barangay Handumanan, was killed in ambush at Barangay Tangub.
The victim’s father, retired Senior Jail Officer 2 Joeby, 59; Philip Jurgen Yoro, 27; and Femmy Tano, 23, sustained minor injuries.
Vargas’s cousin Gian Yoro, 25, of Purok San Roque, Barangay Handumanan, also sustained gunshot wounds.
The police earlier said they are looking into involvement on illegal drugs, business, grudge or work-related issues as possible motives in the killing of Vargas.
On November 5, a man was also killed while another was injured in a shooting incident in Barangay Banago.
The fatality was Mark Alob, 29, while the injured was Ryan Albarico, 33, both of the said barangay.
Investigation showed that the victim was standing along the footwalk when the suspect fired at him for unknown reason and fled.
Carbon said the series of killings affects the business-enabling and viability climate of the city.
It does not complement to the “business friendly” citation given to Bacolod, he added.
MBCCI is calling for a meeting with Councilor Al Victor Espino, chair of the City Council’s committee on police matters, and Bacolod City Police Office director Colonel Henry Biñas to discuss this concern.
“We are keen on lighting our business districts and intensifying the police visibility there,” Carbon said.
Among the areas considered as business districts include Lacson, Araneta and Gatuslao streets as well as the whole of the downtown area.