BACOLOD CITY: This highly urbanized city is eyeing to establish five more police stations to boost the safety and security of its growing populace. "This will enhance our ability to ensure the safety and security of every Bacolodnon," Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said in a statement Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, initial plans indicate that the new police stations will be located in the barangays of Banago, Estefania, Vista Alegre, Cabug, and Singcang-Airport. Mayor Benitez has expressed full support for the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in its aim to achieve "Type A" status as a city police office. "This upgrade will allow us to expand from 10 to up to 20 clustered police stations," he noted. Col. Joeresty Coronica, the city's police director, emphasized the necessity of establishing more police stations to keep pace with Bacolod's rapid growth. "The police should not be left out of the development," Col. Coronica remarked. Currently, the BCPO operates 10 police stations. Barangay B anago, one of the city's most populated areas, falls under the jurisdiction of Police Station 3 in Barangay Mandalagan, which poses accessibility challenges for residents. Similarly, Barangays Vista Alegre and Estefania are located at a considerable distance from Police Station 7 in Barangay Mansilingan and Police Station 4 in Barangay Villamonte, respectively. Barangay Cabug is under the coverage of Police Station 9 in Barangay Sum-ag, while Barangay Singcang-Airport is served by Police Station 8 in Barangay Tangub. The ideal police-to-population ratio in the Philippines is one policeman per 500 residents. However, Bacolod City currently experiences a ratio of one policeman to more than 500 residents, underscoring the need for additional police stations to improve security coverage.