THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) arrested 308 wanted persons and confiscated 37 loose firearms in a series of law enforcement operations across the province from January 12 to May 18, 2025, ensuring a peaceful and orderly National and Local Elections held on May 12, 2025.
Police Colonel Roland V. Bulalacao, officer-in-charge of the Ippo, praised the efforts of his personnel and the community.
“The diligent efforts of our dedicated and hardworking police personnel have yielded desirable outcomes, not only for the recent election but also for the overall peace and order condition of the province," he said.
Bulalacao expressed gratitude for the Ilonggo community's support and pledged to continue tirelessly working for the province's safety and security, expressing gratitude for their trust and cooperation.
During the campaign period, the Ippo executed 46 search warrants that led to the arrest of 37 individuals and the recovery of 37 firearms. In addition, under Oplan Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang, 120 firearms were surrendered voluntarily while 89 were deposited by their holders.
Simultaneously, Ippo ramped up its operations to apprehend wanted individuals. Out of 308 arrested suspects, 83 were identified as most wanted persons. The operations were carried out by the Ippo Tracker Teams, which were mobilized throughout the province as part of intensified pre-election security efforts.
Bulalacao lauded the Ippo Tracker Teams for their consistent performance, stating that their dedication helped the province achieve its goal of zero election-related incidents. He added that every arrest brought the victims of these crimes closer to justice.
The Ippo said the successful crackdown on loose firearms and wanted persons played a major role in the peaceful conduct of the May 12 elections. The combined operations not only safeguarded the public during the election but also improved the general peace and order situation in Iloilo.
The police office affirmed its continued collaboration with the Ilonggo community and vowed to sustain its campaign against criminality and illegal firearms to ensure long-term safety and stability in the province. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)