THE Bacolod City Government has assured that it will continue its support to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) for giving a cash reward to credible informants on unsolved killings in the city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said there is already an allotted budget for the cash reward system of BCPO, which was implemented during the time of former mayor and now Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
"The incentives will be continued if that's one thing that will help the BCPO's campaign against illegal drugs and unsolved killings in the city," he said.
In 2024, Benitez approved the amount from P20,000 to a maximum of P50,000 cash reward.
Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, earlier said it has been observed that some individuals who witnessed a shooting incident refused to be a witness on the case because they also fear for their lives.
“By way of reward, maybe we can convince them of their social responsibility and they should cooperate with the police for the investigation to solve the cases,” he said.
If the informants will face a possible threat, Coronica said the police will also provide security to ensure their safety.
In December 2024, BCPO released a cash reward to the informant of an unsolved shooting incident in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City. The shooting happened in September 2024.
Coronica said the witness had identified the suspect, leading to the filing of a murder case against the individual in November.
Through the cash reward program, Coronica expressed hope that more unsolved shooting incidents in Bacolod will be addressed. (MAP)