ILOILO City — Alarmed by rising security concerns tied to the impending reopening of classes, the rainy season, and reports of “termite gang” activities in Western Visayas, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has rolled out a confidential community intelligence drive aimed at stopping crimes before they happen.
Dubbed “Ihutik Kay Tsip,” the initiative encourages residents, security guards, and private establishments to discreetly relay information on criminal activities through a dedicated hotline, 0963-058-1571.
“Ihutik” is a Hiligaynon term meaning “whisper.”
Police said the program is focused on intelligence buildup and preventive policing rather than emergency response, underscoring the growing need for stronger community involvement amid increasing threats of theft, robbery, illegal drugs, and organized criminal activities.
“Reports received will undergo proper intelligence processing, including deliberation and validation, to determine their intelligence value and usefulness in police operations,” the ICPO said in a statement.
The launch gathered representatives from 39 security agencies in Iloilo City, with police recognizing private security personnel as critical “force multipliers” in guarding schools, banks, commercial centers, and other high-risk establishments.
“Through the ‘Ihutik Kay Tsip,’ we encourage everyone to become vigilant and proactive partners of the police. Our security guards and security officers serve as force multipliers in safeguarding establishments and communities. A simple piece of information can go a long way in preventing crimes and protecting lives,” said ICPO director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla.
Parilla urged security agencies to train guards in basic intelligence gathering and conduct simulation exercises to sharpen their preparedness against criminal incidents.
To widen public participation, the ICPO will distribute stickers and calling cards bearing the hotline number across various establishments and communities.
Authorities assured informants that all reports and identities would remain strictly confidential and handled only by authorized personnel following established security protocols.
The hotline accepts information related to illegal drugs, loose firearms, robbery suspects, wanted persons, illegal gambling operations, and other criminal activities.
Police said the initiative comes at a crucial time as theft cases traditionally increase during the rainy season and amid heightened concern over “termite gang” operations targeting financial institutions in neighboring provinces./PN
