BACOLOD City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran urged the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to intensify its visibility patrol in various areas of Bacolod.
He said this after two persons were killed in separate shooting incidents in Bacolod City on February 2.
Familiaran on Friday, February 5, 2021, said policemen should be visible on streets to pre-empt the possible operations of lawless elements.
"We have a limited number of policemen, but they should also be visible on streets to maintain the peace and order in the city," he said.
He added that they will wait for the result of the investigation of BCPO.
On Wednesday, Gerome Sientos, 62, of Purok Everlasting, Barangay 29, Bacolod was killed by unidentified assailants on Malalusan Street, Barangay 32.
Police Major Ramel Sarona, chief of Police Station 1, earlier said they are eyeing more than two suspects in the killing of the victim.
On the same day, Angelica Montalvo, 23, of Purok Lison, Barangay Banago, was also killed by an unidentified assailant who robbed them in Barangay Tangub.
Investigation showed Montalvo along with her live-in partner, her aunt and cousin were about to park their vehicle in front of Medical Plaza, B.S Aquino Drive when an unidentified man got inside their car and declared holdup while pointing a .38 caliber on Montalvo’s head.
The suspect ordered them to drive the car going to Barangay Cabug, but when they reached along Oroland Subdivision in Barangay Tangub, the suspect fired his gun hitting Montalvo’s head and fled within his unidentified companion on board a motorcycle, who was waiting in the area.
The suspect carted away cash and the cellular phone of Montalvo’s live-in partner.
Police Major Joefer Puerto, chief of Police Station 8, earlier said aside from robbery with homicide, they are also eyeing personal grudges or love triangle as possible motives in the killing of the victim.
"We also need the cooperation of the public to help our authorities. We need to help them," Familiaran said.
Some policemen were also assigned to the city's contact tracing team, but he said they should ensure that there are policemen assigned to the strategic areas in the city.
Familiaran added he is hopeful that BCPO will solve the crime incidents in Bacolod.