Increased Results Obtained in Firearm Prohibition, Narcotics Suppression, and Arrests, Notably before Electoral Contests according to ICPO Data
The Top Cop of Iloilo Simmers About Upcoming Elections
Here's the lowdown on the Iloilo City Police Office's (ICPO) game plan ahead of the May 12, 2025 National, Local, and Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. Police Colonel Kim P. Legada, Icpo's city director, spared no punches in his report during the Iloilo City Joint Security Control Center (CJSCC) Coordinating Conference.
Legada's report was a punchy presentation held on May 3, 2025, at the Icpo Rooftop, Camp Achilles D. Plagata, Iloilo City. He laid it all out, describing their successful operations as a clear signal that the law enforcement units are ready for action and the community and stakeholders are working hand in hand.
Solidifying the police presence and community cooperation has been a priority. In enforcing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, the ICPO collaborated with the STG in numerous operations. Over five months, from January 12 to May 2, 2025, these collaborative efforts yielded results: seven operations resulting in seven arrests and the confiscation of seven firearms, and eight warrants of arrest served, leading to the apprehension of four individuals.
The ICPO's hardline stance on illegal firearms led to the seizure of 57 firearms in 53 operations. A sizable chunk came from voluntary surrenders and deposits for safekeeping, but don't be fooled; the remaining haul is still nothing to sneeze at.
In the ever-ongoing war against drugs, the ICPO conducted 210 operations, resulting in the apprehension of 278 individuals, including 76 high-value targets (HVIs). The catch of the day netted a tidy sum of 7,642.5499 grams of suspected shabu. The ICPO also managed to apprehend 157 wanted persons, 29 of whom are classified as most wanted, and 132 as other wanted.
In the fight against illegal gambling, the ICPO launched 13 operations, leading to the arrest of 27 suspects and the confiscation of gambling proceeds worth P19,869. To enhance visibility and deterrence, the ICPO established a total of 2,572 checkpoints across Iloilo City.
The CJSCC conference was co-chaired by Lawyer Pinky Jevini G. Tentativa, Election Officer IV of Comelec-Iloilo City, and Legada. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Icpo staff, and unit commanders.
Source: Leo Solinap/Philippines
Insights: The ICPO's operations in Iloilo City have resulted in numerous arrests and the confiscation of firearms, drugs, and gambling proceeds. Arrests have included high-value individuals and most wanted persons, and the ICPO has conducted over 200 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs.
- The upcoming National, Local, and Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections in May 2025 will see the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) maintain a firm stance, as expressed by city director, Police Colonel Kim P. Legada.
- On May 3, 2025, during the Iloilo City Joint Security Control Center (CJSCC) Coordinating Conference, Legada detailed their strategies for enforcing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, citing collaborative efforts with the STG.
- Over a five-month period, from January 12 to May 2, 2025, these collaborative efforts resulted in seven operations, seven arrests, the confiscation of seven firearms, and the serving of eight warrants of arrest.
- In the battle against illegal firearms, the ICPO, led by Legada, confiscated 57 firearms through 53 operations, with a significant portion coming from voluntary surrenders.
- In the ongoing war on drugs, the ICPO has carried out 210 operations, resulting in the apprehension of 278 individuals, including 76 high-value targets, and the seizure of 7,642.5499 grams of suspected shabu.
