Checkpoints, liquor ban cut down crimes in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Iloilo province posted a decrease in the number of crime incidents, too.

For Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, the ebb in crimes could be largely attributed to establishment of Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) and liquor ban, among other policies imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recorded 105 cases from June 1 to 15, 2021, a 46.47 percent decrease from 196 cases in the same period last year.

Accordingly, focus crimes dropped dramatically by almost 73 percent – from 48 incidents last year to only 13 incidents in 2021.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and motor-napping.

Gorero said the presence of the police at QCPs and the implementation of liquor ban were potent factors that curbed criminality.

“Without the QCPs and the liquor ban, the crime statistics could have been different. It could be higher,” Gorero said.

The Iloilo PNP established the QCPs and enforced the liquor ban pursuant to Executive Orders 174 and 175 of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr.

Since June 4, 2021, travel restrictions are imposed across Iloilo Province. Only those with travel pass could cross borders between towns.

The restrictions also curbed road incidents by 32.14 percent.