Bakhaw-based cops commit to ICPO’s anti-illegal drugs drive

By Jennifer P. Rendon

All 25 PNP officers residing at the controversial Barangay Bakhaw in Mandurriao, Iloilo City personally appeared in a meeting called by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, said the Bakhaw-based cops included two police commissioned officers (PCOs), 15 police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs), and eight non-uniformed personnel (NUPs).

Of the 15, only six are assigned to ICPO while the remaining 19 are from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 headquarters at Camp Delgado and the provincial offices of Negros Occidental, Iloilo province and Guimaras.

“The purpose of the meeting is to get their support and cooperation with regard to the campaign against illegal drugs,” Coronica said.

They also discussed strategies on how to make Bakhaw peaceful.

“They have given their commitment to helping us by way of giving information on active drug personalities in the area, and even non-residents who frequent the barangay,” he said.

Coronica said that it might be the first and last meeting since they have given each other their contact information in case they would report something.

“And one thing more, they’re cleared as far as involvement in illegal drugs is concerned,” he said.

Barangay Bakhaw has been placed on police radar over the perceived proliferation of illegal drugs.

Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, has brought the concern of calling policemen residing in Bakhaw following the arrest of 32 persons in a buy-bust operation on January 25.