ICPO strengthens security ahead of COC filing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has ramped up security preparations ahead of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the May 2025 midterm elections.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said the intensified security measures are part of the ICPO’s proactive efforts to prevent election-related incidents and ensure a smooth and secure process for both candidates and the public.

The ICPO will deploy additional personnel to strategic locations, including malls and other venues where political activities may occur.

Last week, Legada noted that the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 assigned 35 new police officers who recently graduated from the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC).

They will be stationed at the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), while senior personnel from the ICMFC will be reassigned to police stations.

“These additional personnel will boost our patrol activities,” he said.

Legada added that the ICPO has coordinated with local government units (LGUs), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming election activities.

Ongoing coordination and meetings are being held, and measures such as increased patrol visibility, the establishment of police assistance desks at COC filing sites, intelligence monitoring, collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, and community engagement through dialogues with barangays and sectoral groups have been put in place.

COMELEC has scheduled the filing of COCs for the 2025 midterm elections and the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections from Oct. 1 to 8, 2024.

“We are fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of the election process,” Legada said. “Through strengthened security measures and active community cooperation, we aim to prevent any form of violence or intimidation.”

Legada also urged the public to report any suspicious activities that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The ICPO expressed confidence that, through the united efforts of all sectors, Iloilo City will maintain a secure and orderly environment throughout the electoral process.

In addition, Legada reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) commitment to political neutrality during the election period.

“All officers have been reminded that neutrality is a fundamental responsibility during the election period,” he said.