ILOILO City – In the wake of two gang-related violent incidents involving minors within three days, the city government has launched an aggressive crackdown on youth violence, reactivating its flagship “RISE for Protection” program and ordering increased police visibility in public spaces and schools.
The response follows a stabbing between two minors at Jaro Plaza on August 1 and a violent rumble involving 22 individuals — 19 of them minors — at the ICC Gaisano grounds on August 3.
All minors have since been released to their families but are now under surveillance by authorities.
Mayor Raisa Treñas immediately convened an emergency multi-agency meeting on August 4 with local police, social workers, barangay leaders, and the City Council to address the spike in juvenile violence and outline urgent intervention plans.
“As a mayor and a mother, I cannot allow violent behavior among our youth to continue unchecked,” Treñas said in a public statement. “We must act now through strong coordination and intervention from all sectors of the community.”
City Hall spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal said the mayor considered the situation “alarming” and even “politely canceled a prior engagement just to personally preside over the emergency meeting.” She added, “She’s tackling this head-on.”
RISE for Protection Relaunch
The centerpiece of the city’s renewed campaign is the relaunch of the RISE for Protection initiative, which includes “Batang Pandilla” — a six-phase anti-gang program by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and Police Regional Office 6 that targets gang-affiliated and at-risk youth.
The program covers school-based awareness campaigns, diversion and intervention programs for children-in-conflict-with-the-law (CICLs), profiling of youth gang members and leaders, and targeted support for out-of-school youths.
Initial police findings from Police Station 10 Captain Val Cambel indicated that minors from several districts — City Proper, Molo, Mandurriao, and Arevalo — were part of online group chats tied to suspected gangs. At least three gangs have been identified, with profiling and verification still ongoing.
Enhanced Police Presence, Community Involvement
To deter further violence, Mayor Treñas ordered ICPO to increase fixed police visibility points in Jaro, La Paz, schools, plazas, and major markets. Satellite outposts in public areas are also being planned to prevent gang gatherings.
“These incidents are warning signs. If left unaddressed, these minors could evolve into serious offenders. We’re not waiting for a fatal incident before we act,” Fantilaga-Gorzal warned.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has been directed to submit a comprehensive juvenile intervention plan, including the activation of Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPCs), strengthened parental involvement, and tighter school-community coordination.
Call to Action
Treñas urged a whole-of-city approach, stressing that youth violence is not a government-only issue.
“I call on all parents, schools, barangays, and the entire community to come together for the welfare of our children. As we welcome the return of classes, we must not allow the return of gangs and violence,” she said.
A follow-up meeting with school officials and barangay leaders is being organized to synchronize monitoring efforts and ensure accountability at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the minors involved in the Jaro Plaza stabbing were surrendered by their parents and taken into custody. Those involved in the ICC brawl are under CSWDO’s watch, with some referred to counseling and intervention services.
With classes set to open soon, the Iloilo City Government is racing to restore order and safety—not only in schools but across all public spaces where youth may be at risk./PN
