Muslim community pledges help to cops vs criminalities, terrorism

THE Muslim community in Bacolod City pledged their support and help to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) against criminalities, illegal activities, and terrorism.

About 32 leaders and members of the Muslim community met with Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas, officer-in-charge of BCPO, and Superintendent Leonardo Borromeo, deputy city director for operations, at the city police headquarters yesterday afternoon to discuss their situation and problems in the city.

Biñas initiated the meeting following a series of bombings in Mindanao last month.

On January 27, 21 people died and more than 100 persons were injured in a twin bombing in Jolo, Sulu.

It was followed by another attack in North Cotabato, and Zamboanga City, which also resulted in deaths and injuries in the same month.

Chief Inspector Ariel Pico, public information officer of BCPO, said they told the police they are willing to help the authorities in maintaining peace and order situation in the city by reporting any suspicious-looking individuals, and illegal activities in their respective areas.

They also pledged to help in identifying erring cops as well as information dissemination of the anti-criminality campaign.

Pico said the Muslim community even condemned the series of bombings in Mindanao and other terroristic activities in the country.

Pico said there are thousands of Muslims staying in the city.

The group clarified that their stay in the city is purely for livelihood and business purposes only.

The meeting went well and the outcome was positive, Pico said.

Though terrorism is not really a problem in Bacolod, Pico said the city police force is still on alert at all times as mandated by the higher office. /GYM