ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that anyone who will be able to catch a “basag kotse” member will receive a reward, as the City Government launched Monday, February 10, 2025, a comprehensive campaign against it and other street crimes.
Six "basag kotse" or car break-ins were reported in the Iloilo City recently. This has prompted the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) to intensify its anti-criminality operations, and Treñas has ordered the Public Order and Safety Management Office (Posmo) and barangay officials to take immediate action.
“I am very concerned about certain issues affecting our security. I have given instructions to Icpo’s Colonel Kim Legada, Posmo head Retired Colonel Garbanzos, and the barangay captains. Anyone who will be able to catch a ‘basag kotse’ person will receive a reward,” Treñas said.
To strengthen security measures, Treñas directed City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Donna Magno to expand the city’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) network.
Treñas said additional CCTV cameras will be added, with a focus on the Esplanade.
The mayor emphasized the importance of functional CCTV systems, particularly in front of banks and automated teller machines, to deter criminal activities.
Treñas emphasized that despite Iloilo City's safety status, it is crucial not to be complacent as syndicates can enter at any time.
The City Government has also provided the police with 50 additional vehicles, with plans to acquire six more soon.
Treñas stressed the need for improved police mobility, including additional motorcycles, to enhance law enforcement response.
Legada affirmed the police force’s commitment to combating street crimes.
“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 data showed that between January 30 and 31, six "basag kotse" cases were recorded.
The first incident occurred on January 30 in Guzman Jesena, Mandurriao District, where P14,000 in cash, identification cards, and bank cards were stolen.
On January 31, two cases were reported -- one in Tabucan, Mandurriao District, and another in Nabitasan, La Paz District.
In the Tabucan incident, an iPad, P2,000 in cash, and assorted cards were stolen but later recovered through a hot pursuit operation.
Later that day, three additional incidents were reported in Mandurriao and Jaro Districts, but no stolen items were recorded.
Since January 31, no new cases have been reported.
Legada said the Icpo remains steadfast in its campaign to curb theft, hold-ups, snatching, and other street crimes in support of the mayor’s directives. (Leo Solinap)