ICPO intel operatives updated on drug ops jurisprudence

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Fifty-two operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office’s City Intelligence Unit and the city’s 10 police stations attended a one-day refresher seminar on the latest court rulings governing anti-illegal drug operations.

The seminar was held Tuesday, March 17, at the ICPO Function Hall, Camp Achilles Plagata, General Luna Street, City Proper.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO officer-in-charge, said the refresher workshop was designed to update and enhance the legal knowledge and operational competence of police personnel conducting anti-drug operations.

Parilla said the goal was to ensure that ICPO intelligence personnel strictly adhere to existing laws, recent court rulings, and Philippine National Police policies.

He stressed that as law officers, continuous legal updates are essential to ensuring that cases hold up in court and that justice is served.

“Ang mahusay na pulis ay hindi lamang matapang sa operasyon, kundi matatag din sa kaalaman at paggalang sa batas,” he said.

Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Leonel Dapat led the discussion on recent Supreme Court decisions affecting the conduct of drug-related operations, the proper handling of evidence, and the importance of strictly observing legal procedures to secure successful prosecution.

Police Capt. Warren Calzado, ICPO legal officer, tackled the Police Operational Procedures and other PNP issuances, underscoring the importance of standard operational guidelines and legal protocols in the planning and execution of anti-drug operations.

Following the presentations, police lawyers Lt. Col. Herman Celiz, Master Sgt. Emil Caldeo, and Staff Sgt. Junette Mae Bernada facilitated a legal counseling session.

Participants used the session to raise legal concerns, clarify operational issues, and seek guidance on police procedures and case documentation.

Parilla said the seminar reflects the ICPO’s commitment to strengthening the legal awareness and professionalism of its personnel, and to ensuring that anti-drug operations are conducted in accordance with the rule of law.