THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), under the leadership of Police Colonel Roland Bulalacao, arrested 55 wanted individuals and confiscated high-powered firearms in separate operations across Iloilo Province.
“This accomplishment sends a clear message to those who evade the law -- your time is running out,” Bulalacao said.
He emphasized the commitment of tracker teams to hold every wanted person accountable, prioritizing public safety and ensuring justice prevails.
From May 16 to May 31, Ippo's tracker teams arrested 55 wanted persons, up 139.13 percent from the 23 arrests during the same period in 2024. Among those arrested were 10 most wanted persons (MWP), double the five arrested in the same period last year.
These results contribute significantly to the campaign for a safer Iloilo and are in line with the "PRO 6 On TOP" (Technology-Oriented Policing) initiative of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), led by Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, which promotes modern, tech-based policing strategies.
In a separate set of operations under the “Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang” campaign by PRO 6, the Ippo also seized illegal firearms and arrested two individuals for violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
On June 2, at 6:53 a.m., the Balasan Municipal Police Station, led by Police Captain Renzo Martinez, served a search warrant at the residence of alias Monet, 75, a man in Sitio Landing, Barangay Kinalkalan, Balasan, Iloilo.
The operation was based on reports that Monet had been engaging in indiscriminate firing. Police recovered one caliber .45 Grease Gun sub-machine gun, a long magazine, and six rounds of live ammunition.
Monet is now detained and awaiting formal charges.
The following day, June 3, around 5:20 a.m., the Dingle Municipal Police Station, led by Police Captain Alwin Salmon, served a search warrant in Barangay Tabugon, Dingle, Iloilo.
The target, alias Vennie, 42, a farm tractor operator, was also reported for indiscriminate firing.
Police recovered an STI caliber .45 pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and a steel magazine.
Vennie was placed under police custody and will face charges.
Bulalacao praised the efforts of Balasan and Dingle police, highlighting the crucial role of community cooperation in curbing unlicensed firearms.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to anyone possessing loose or illegal firearms and engaging in indiscriminate firing: surrender your firearms now to the police, or you will face the full extent of the law,” he said.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may lead to the arrest of wanted individuals or the recovery of illegal firearms. (Leo Solinap)