THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) intensified its anti-criminality operations across Iloilo province in April 2025 to ensure the integrity of the upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.
The operations led to the arrest of 240 suspects and the filing of multiple cases.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, Ippo director, praised the officers' performance, saying: “Ang madinalag-on nga mga operasyon sang bulan sang Abril nagapamatuod sang dedikasyon kag kapisan sang tagsa ka Ilonggo Cops. Paagi sa maid-id nga pagbantay, naka-pokus nga pagpatuman sang kasuguan, kag mabaskog nga pag-angkon sang suporta kag pagsalig sang komunidad, padayon naton nga pabaskugon ang seguridad kag kalinong sang Iloilo para sa tanan, ilabi na gid sa pag-angkon sang malinong, matawhay, kag masaligan nga National and Local Elections sa Mayo 12, 2025.”
(The successful operations in the month of April prove the dedication and diligence of each Ilonggo cop. Through vigilant monitoring, focused law enforcement, and strong community support and trust, we will continue to strengthen the security and peace of Iloilo for everyone, especially in achieving peaceful, orderly, and credible National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025.)
A total of 36 anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the arrest of 48 suspects, including 13 high-value individuals (HVIs) and 35 street-level individuals (SLIs).
Authorities confiscated 1,585.25 grams of shabu worth P10,043,010 and filed 102 drug-related cases.
In its operations against wanted persons, Ippo conducted 67 missions and arrested 66 individuals, including 22 Most Wanted Persons.
On anti-illegal gambling, 15 operations led to the arrest of 34 individuals and the confiscation of P12,176 in bet money.
In 25 operations against loose firearms, police recovered 64 firearms -- 19 unlicensed (confiscated), 29 surrendered, and 16 deposited. These resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals and the filing of 18 corresponding cases.
In anti-illegal fishing efforts, the police conducted 21 operations that led to the arrest of 71 individuals, the apprehension of 44 fishing boats, and the confiscation of fish worth P45,900.
In the campaign against illegal quarrying, 14 operations led to the apprehension of 17 individuals and the impounding of 17 vehicles used in the illegal extraction of quarry materials.
Meanwhile, two separate operations against illegal logging resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of 2,263 board feet of lumber valued at P86,638.
The Ippo continued to call on the public to assist in reporting the whereabouts of wanted individuals and support law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and security in the province. (Leo Solinap)