Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya convened his first command conference with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Tuesday, July 1, underscoring his commitment to public safety and effective crisis response.
The command conference featured an operational readiness drill held at the Bacolod City Public Plaza, where BCPO personnel conducted a live-action simulation exercise, a press release from the city government said.
The staged crisis scenario demonstrated rapid response tactics, including crowd control, emergency medical response, and coordinated police maneuvers.
The exercise, spearheaded by PCol.Joresty Coronica, BCPO City Director, highlighted the preparedness and discipline of local law enforcement units in handling high-pressure situations.
Three Bacolod police units were honored for critical public safety operations, including two major drug hauls and the capture of a high-profile fugitive, the press release said.
Honored were PLt. Col. Antonio P. Benitez Jr. and Lt. Richard O. Legada who led the June 28 buy-bust sting in Barangay Mansilingan that led to the arrest of five suspects and the confiscation of 1,535 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱10.4 million.
Also honored was Police Station 2 under Police Major Eugene G. Tolentino whose cops arrested two drug suspects and seized 290 grams of shabu worth ₱1.97 million during a June 25 undercover operation in Barangay 7.
Gasataya also, recognized Police Station 6 for apprehending a regional most-wanted rape suspect through coordinated intelligence work. Patrol Cpl Marthy M. Bugtong accepted the award on behalf of the unit.
The mayor congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed the city’s full support for BCPO’s continuing campaign against crime and illegal drugs.
“I want to show my respect, appreciation and full support to the men and women working tirelessly to keep every Bacolodnon safe,” he said.
That is why even before he assumed office he voluntarily underwent a drug test to lead by example and demonstrate his y sincerity in the fight against illegal drugs, Gasataya said.*