20/04/2026
Bacolod Council Urges Swift Probe into Killing of Jonel Besaña, Calls for Action on Unsolved Cases
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and Councilor Pao Sy urging the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), under the leadership of PCOL Eugene Rebadomia, to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation into the killing of Jonel Besaña and to intensify efforts in resolving other unsolved killing incidents in the city.
The resolution was passed in response to growing public concern over recent violent crimes, particularly shooting incidents involving assailants riding motorcycles, which have heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
Jonel Besaña, a resident of Purok Talaba, Barangay Singcang-Airport, was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant while he was about to fetch his wife from her workplace at SM City Bacolod. The incident, which occurred in a public area near Police Station 1, has raised serious concerns over public safety and the boldness of criminal elements.
Councilor Distrito stressed the urgency of swift and decisive action from law enforcement authorities.
“The loss of life under these circumstances is deeply troubling. Our people deserve to feel safe in their own communities, and incidents like this shake that sense of security,” he said.
“Unsolved killings not only deny justice to victims and their families, they also erode public trust in our institutions and embolden those who seek to commit further crimes. We must act with urgency, transparency, and resolve,” Councilor Pao Sy added.
The City Council underscored that the victim was known to have no known enemies, making the incident even more alarming and highlighting the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive and identify those responsible.
The resolution calls on the BCPO to immediately identify, locate, and apprehend the perpetrator or perpetrators, as well as to strengthen intelligence operations, conduct case reviews of unsolved killings, and enhance coordination with relevant agencies.
It also urges the police to increase visibility and security measures in public places, particularly in areas near police stations, to deter criminal activity and reassure the public.