Mayor Evelio Leonardia has asked the Bacolod police to implement tighter security measures and intensify visibility around the Bacolod City Government Center to avert the occurrence of any crime in the area.
Leonardia wrote Bacolod police director, PCol. Thomas Joseph Martir, a day after Yeshua John Alvarez Torres, 15, of Barangay 41, Bacolod City, was stabbed in the back and was declared dead on arrival at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 29.
PLt. Greeky Cayao, Police Station 4 OIC, identified the suspect as Jorebel Solatorio Datulayta, alias Nonoy, 21, of Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod, who is now detained.
The police have filed murder charges against Datulayta.
Cayao said their initial investigation showed that the stabbing was triggered by an old grudge between the rival groups of the suspect and the victim.
“I am deeply disheartened to hear of this unfortunate incident especially so that our administration has always prided itself to have maintained and effectively promoted the BCGC as a popular destination for tourists and families alike, where people of all ages can enjoy a safe and relaxing atmosphere day and night– apparently, until this tragic incident,” the mayor said.
The mayor asked the BCPO to provide an action plan for tighter security around the BCGC 24/7.
“While we have our POSO personnel on duty on daily basis, we further suggest that regular and constant coordination between them and your office is implemented,” Leonardia told Martir.
Given Martyr’s professional expertise, the mayor continued, “we will depend on your guidance and recommendation”.
“I trust that we will never hear of incidents like this at the BCGC,” Leonardia added.*