ILOILO City – The city government has launched a campaign to combat vandals, following the vandalizing of “portalets” (portable toilets) along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard in Arevalo district. Mayor Jerry Treñas is offering a P15,000 reward for information leading to the capture of those responsible.
In a press conference on Monday, Treñas expressed his frustration with the repeated acts of vandalism at the newly-opened boulevard.
“We already have leads on who is responsible for the vandalism. If P15,000 is not enough, we can increase it, but we will assess first. The open season has begun. Catch them and bring them to me, and you will immediately receive P15,000,” he announced.
In response to calls for increased surveillance, Treñas acknowledged the need for security cameras along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard but pointed out that setting up fiber optics and procuring the necessary equipment would require time and funding.
The mayor defended the installation of “portalets” in the area, emphasizing their role in facilitating sanitation.
“Why did we put up portalets? What would people do if they have nowhere to go? We cannot easily build permanent restrooms because, according to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), this area is only meant for passage. However, iloilo Sunset Boulevard has turned into a beloved public space for rest and recreation,” he explained.
Treñas also addressed questions about potential consequences for those caught vandalizing the facilities, stating that offenders would not only be required to clean the portalets but also restrooms in all city detention centers.
“Not only will they clean the portalets, but I will also have them clean every restroom in all detention centers in the city,” he said.
The mayor reminded the public that the portalets are government-funded and meant for public use.
“The portalets do not belong to me; they belong to the people. That is government money, meaning it is for all of us,” he emphasized.
‘PRESERVING ORDER’
Early this February, the city government and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) joined forces to ensure safety and order along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard.
Treñas has prohibited the practice of “park shot”, which is the practice of drinking liquor while parked along the boulevard. He also banned the sale of food in the area without the necessary permits.
For its part, LTO Region 6 vowed to conduct random alcohol breath tests on drivers passing through the boulevard to prevent drunk driving and ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and other boulevard users.
LTO-6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II assured Treñas of the agency’s active involvement in maintaining public safety by deploying enforcement teams to the area.
Treñas stressed that maintaining discipline and enforcing safety regulations are critical to protecting the boulevard and its visitors.
“We will not tolerate irresponsible behavior that puts lives and public property at risk,” Treñas said.
The Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, a P2.261-billion infrastructure project, spans five kilometers from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao district to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, Iloilo.
The four-lane road includes bike paths, solar-powered LED lights, viewing decks, and recreational spaces, making it a popular destination.
However, concerns have been raised about improper usage of the boulevard, prompting stricter enforcement of safety regulations./PN
