Politics behind series of robberies in Bacolod?
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Evelio Leonardia deemed as part of sabotage against his administration the series of robberies in the city of Bacolod as the 2010 election is becoming nearer and nearer. The mayor made the pronouncement yesterday in a press conference during the launching of the campaign to help the victims of typhoon ‘Ondoy’ in Luzon and Metro Manila.
Leonardia was also quoted in saying that the crime incidents could be the off-shoot of “tiempo muerto” or the off-season on hacienda or sugarcane farms.
“The mere reason possibly is to scare the investors and also those who would be investing in the city for their personal and political interests,” Leonardia added.
Leonardia however assured that his administration has a standing order to the leadership of OIC City Police Director Senior Supt. Celestino Guara Jr. to intensify their campaign and efforts against the criminal elements.
Negative reports have been hurled by Leonardia’s political opponents early this year because of the alleged non-expansion of Teleperformance – one of the biggest call centers in the country.
But the company made it clear that they have no official statement stating that the series of robberies was the main reason of their non-expansion in the city, instead they defended the city in its efforts of protecting their employees especially their agents who have duties at night.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the Commmitttee on Police, Security and Jail Management, said he is very supportive of any moves against the robbery suspects.
Yesterday, he met with Guara to discuss other matters which can lead to the apprehension of the suspects as well as preventing others to do the same.
Before the week ends, Espino said he will also meet with the stakeholders to come with concrete counter measures against robbery cases.
Recently, Espino said he will draft an ordinance requiring financial institutions like banks, lending companies and other establishments with big cash to install closed circuit television (CCTV) camera.