Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he has talked with two very influential congressmen who, he believes, are sympathetic to the idea of retaining the existing Bacolod Airport .

He said he will not reveal their names in the meantime but one of them is from Negros Occidental. He reiterated his previous statements that he is not against the opening of the airport in Silay, but he is for the retention of the existing airport in Bacolod , and its re-opening if it is closed this week.

Leonardia had said that even if the Bacolod Airport is closed, they will still work for its re-opening as a secondary airport, but they do not expect it to be competing with the airport in Silay.

He said he will have a meeting with the Airport Security personnel because they would like to be assured that nothing will happen to the old airport and its facilities if ever it is closed upon the opening of the new airport in Silay.

Leonardia said he and the Retain Bacolod Airport Movement have not given up. He said he just wants the people of Bacolod to be given an alternative.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said he met with the businessmen Monday together with Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar and the different Police Precinct commanders in Bacolod City to prevent reported losses in Bacolod especially in the downtown area.

He said “Business is the engine of growth for Bacolod and we have to live up to the reputation of being the most Business-Friendly City in the country.”

Leonardia said the meeting was very productive because the private groups shared their observations and concerns be given attention and that they have agreed to meet on a more regular basis.

He said the businessmen said they have noticed people sleeping in the downtown area so the City Legal Office through Legal Offcier 3 Vicente Petierre III will talk to these people.*CGS

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