ILOILO – In response to growing concerns over mental health struggles within the police force, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) have intensified regular mental wellness checks and support programs for their personnel — but the impact of these measures remains unclear.
“The medical officer goes around stations to check on the health of our personnel. Those showing symptoms are talked to,” said ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada.
Police officers with signs of distress are referred to mental health professionals (psychologists) from the Regional Medical and Dental Unit of the Police Regional Office 6, he said.
Legada also noted that his office maintains an open-door policy for officers seeking psychological help and is actively encouraging them to speak up without fear of stigma.
The renewed focus on mental health follows the recent death of a police staff sergeant assigned to the Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo municipal police station. This case is currently being investigated as either a suicide or an accidental discharge case.
IPPO spokesperson Major Rolando Araño said the provincial office has long adopted internal strategies to support personnel, including the use of a “squadding system” that brings officers together in small, confidential group discussions to process work-related or personal issues.
“These are efforts to help our personnel process stress and mental health issues,” Araño said, adding that the IPPO also airs a regular radio segment focused on mental health awareness and coping strategies for law enforcers.
While both ICPO and IPPO assert that these initiatives are ongoing, neither has released data on how many officers have sought or received professional help, nor whether the programs have led to a measurable decline in psychological crises among police personnel.
Mental health remains a delicate topic within the police force, with many officers reportedly hesitant to come forward due to lingering stigma and concerns over confidentiality.
Authorities acknowledge the importance of strengthening support systems, but challenges in staffing, consistent follow-up, and program implementation continue to hamper progress.
For its part, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 reiterated its concern for the well-being of police personnel and highlighted its continued support for mental health programs within the Philippine National Police.
These include psychological assessments, wellness initiatives, and policy reforms aimed at addressing job-related stress.
NAPOLCOM-6 regional director Atty. Jerome LB. Asuga has urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions related to the recent death of the police staff sergeant in Barotac Nuevo.
Last week, the investigation into the case took a deeper turn following an autopsy that revealed two gunshot wounds to the head.
Asuga appealed for restraint, emphasizing that speculations — particularly assumptions of suicide — may be harmful and misleading while the IPPO continues its official probe.
“We implore the public and all concerned sectors to refrain from drawing conclusions or spreading speculations on the cause of the incident, including any presumption of suicide, until the official findings… are formally released,” Asuga said.
The commission also urged the public to respect the privacy of the officer’s family and colleagues during this difficult time./PN
