City Hall boosts police presence with new patrol cars

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government turned over a second batch of six patrol cars to local units of the Philippine National Police, strengthening the city’s capacity to deter street crimes.

The batch included four patrol cars for the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), one for the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and one for Police Regional Office 6.

The vehicles, valued at PHP 9.75 million, were sourced from the city’s Peace and Order Fund and aligned with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s “Buy 1, Give 1” program.

The new units follow the six patrol vehicles turned over by the city government to the ICPO on Sept. 29.

“The timing of these donations is perfect as Iloilo City prepares to host the ASEAN Summit next year. This support adds to our police resources to ensure the safety and protection of our residents and visiting delegates,” Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said.

Iloilo City is among the venues selected for ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, alongside Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Tagaytay, and Clark.

ICPO Director Col. Kim Legada said that during his tenure, the office has received 15 patrol vehicles and one SWAT van, with motorcycles expected next year.

With the new additions, the ICPO now operates 44 patrol cars, excluding those issued directly by the Philippine National Police.

“We will intensify and increase the distribution of police presence in the areas of the city and this will boost our operational capability. The police will be more visible in the roads especially now in the holiday season,” he said.

Legada said the city government will handle the donated vehicles’ maintenance, including insurance, fuel, and oil.

During the same event, the city government received an ambulance donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.