ILOILO City — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has installed a new officer-in-charge in the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) amid a broader command reshuffle triggered by recent operational lapses, with intelligence chief Wilbert Parilla tapped to steady city security operations ahead of the Dinagyang Festival.
Parilla, head of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), replaced Colonel Roland Bulalacao, who served as ICPO OIC for only four days following the relief of former city police director Colonel Kim Legada.
Bulalacao was designated ICPO OIC on January 8 after Legada was removed from his post over lapses cited in the police handling of the death of Dueñas, Iloilo vice mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan in La Paz district. Bulalacao has since been reassigned to the Philippine National Police Academy.
At the regional level, PRO-6 also announced a change in its operations leadership, naming Arpha Abul Kyr Salazar Macalangcom as the new Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO).
Macalangcom, previously with the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, replaced Bulalacao as DRDO.
The leadership movements were formalized through a new PNP order, with Bulalacao assuming his new role as officer-in-charge of the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Philippine National Police Academy.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas welcomed Parilla’s appointment and assured the city government’s full support for the ICPO leadership as the city gears up for Dinagyang.
“This is a smooth transition, and we expect continuity in maintaining peace and order in the city,” Treñas said. “Let’s continue to support ICPO as they work hand in hand with the community to ensure that Ilonggos and visitors are safe and secure.”
Parilla paid a courtesy call on the mayor on Monday, during which Treñas issued marching orders to sustain and strengthen security operations, particularly during major festivals and large-scale events.
“Security operations should never be weakened or compromised. The fight against illegal drugs must continue alongside our efforts to keep the city peaceful,” the mayor added.
PRO-6 officials said the recent leadership changes form part of continuing efforts to strengthen command responsibility, ensure accountability, and maintain public trust in law enforcement across Western Visayas./PN
