THE Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) recorded six “basag kotse” incidents in January 2025, prompting intensified security measures to curb vehicle break-ins and other street crimes in the city.
Icpo records showed the first incident occurred on January 30 in Guzman Jesena, Mandurriao District, where P14,000 in cash and assorted identification and bank cards were stolen.
The following day, two more cases were reported -- one in Tabucan, Mandurriao District, where P2,000, an iPad, and various cards were taken but later recovered through a hot pursuit operation, and another in Nabitasan, La Paz District.
Later that day, three more break-ins were recorded in Mandurriao and Jaro Districts, but no stolen items were reported. Since January 31, no additional incidents have been documented.
Icpo Director Police Colonel Kim Legada assured the public that police efforts against these crimes are being intensified.
"We will not tolerate these crimes that threaten the safety of our people. Our personnel have been mobilized to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure the immediate arrest of criminals victimizing innocent individuals," Legada said.
Icpo remains committed to supporting the directive of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in making the city safer.
In response to the mayor’s strong stance against street crimes, the Icpo has increased police visibility, enhanced intelligence operations, and strengthened coordination with barangay officials, businesses, and transport groups to improve community vigilance.
To encourage public cooperation in the arrest of "basag kotse" suspects, the mayor has also proposed a reward system.
The Icpo has instructed all police units to conduct Oplan Sita and Oplan Bakal operations to prevent crimes proactively.
"We assure the people of Iloilo City that we are committed to protecting them and will not rest until the streets are safe from lawless elements," Legada added.
Authorities urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Icpo hotline at 0908-377-0194 or (033) 335-0299. (Leo Solinap)