By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has offered a PHP50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of a Grade 11 student in Barangay Granada last June.
According to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), an arrest warrant was recently issued for two suspects identified as alias “Dondon” and alias “Athan.”
Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said the city police are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects, stressing that justice for the victim and his family is a top priority.
Coronica added that the reward is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure swift justice for the crime that shocked the community.
Nicus Balagosa, 20, was shot in front of his parents at their residence on June 2, just weeks before his 21st birthday.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed two of the four perpetrators entering the victim’s home, while their two companions acted as lookouts and waited in a getaway vehicle.
Police earlier stated that Balagosa was falsely accused of being involved in an alleged rape incident concerning his 16-year-old friend.
The father of the teenage girl has been identified as one of the suspects.
Mayor Benitez and Balagosa’s family have urged the suspects to surrender to bring justice to the victim.
The BCPO assured the public that all efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or BCPO headquarters at 09985987459 or 09072780149.
The police assured that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
