ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has stepped up its crime prevention efforts in response to Mayor Jerry Treñas’ call for improved public safety in the city.
The initiative is aimed at curbing street crimes, including snatching, pickpocketing, theft, hold-ups, and the notorious basag kotse modus.
ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada emphasized that the police are committed to making Iloilo City safer, with officers focused on enhancing police visibility, conducting aggressive anti-crime measures, and responding swiftly to incidents.
A key aspect of this effort is strengthening intelligence gathering and collaboration with barangay officials, business owners, and transport groups.
The ICPO is also backing the mayor’s incentive program, offering rewards for information that leads to the capture of criminals, particularly those involved in basag kotse crimes.
Additionally, patrol officers have been instructed to intensify operations under Oplan Sita and Oplan Bakal.
Oplan Sita focuses on conducting random checkpoint operations. These checkpoints are designed to monitor vehicles, check for any illegal activities such as the carrying of firearms, drugs, or other contraband, and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. The goal is to deter criminals from carrying out illegal activities and to enhance police visibility on the streets.
On the other hand, Oplan Bakal is a special operation aimed at targeting the illegal possession of firearms and other deadly weapons. Under this operation, the police conduct sweeps, raids, and intelligence-driven operations to confiscate firearms from individuals who are not authorized to carry them. The operation is part of a broader effort to reduce violent crimes by limiting access to illegal weapons.
The ICPO is urging the public to stay alert and cooperate in these crime prevention initiatives, stressing that safety is a shared responsibility. With these ongoing efforts, Iloilo City is moving closer to becoming a model for urban security./PN
