ILOILO City – The city government turned over to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) 100 Taurus G3 9 millimeter (mm) pistols to boost the police’s operational capability.
“These firearms are intended to improve the shoot capability of our SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). Also, it will be used in our training,” said ICPO director, Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos.
Previously, the city government provided the ICPO with eight pick-up patrol cars complete with markings, paging system, and blinkers while the Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) and K-9 Unit were given two Jack Russel Terrier puppies to be trained on bomb detection.
Garbanzos said they are also expecting 10 long firearms, three sniping rifles, and 25 motorcycles.
The ICPO sees an increasing demand for public safety services. Garbanzos submitted a wish list to the city government for inclusion in next year’s budget.
“One of the factors that led to the decline in our focus crimes is massive police visibility. The integrated patrol deployment plan of ICPO prevents or suppresses criminality,” said Garbazos.
He described the metropolis as generally peaceful, with focus crimes (murder, homicide robbery, physical injury, theft, motor-napping, and carnapping) dropping.
Garbanzos also attributed the decline to the strict implementation of health protocols and local ordinances. (PNA)
