Iloilo City declares outgoing police chief as ‘adopted son’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The city government of Iloilo has declared outgoing Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief Col. Joeresty P. Coronica as an “adopted son.”

“My heart is brimming because of this lifetime honor that the mayor has given me. It came as a surprise to me,” Coronica said in an interview.

“This is something that I never expected in my entire career because I know that this declaration is only given to individuals who have made significant contributions to society,” he added.

The declaration was made through an executive order signed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on July 19. The recognition was conferred to Coronica on Monday, July 22.

Coronica is the first ICPO chief to be declared an adopted son of the city government.

Originally from Mansilingan, Bacolod City, Coronica took the helm of the ICPO in January last year. He was recently relieved from his post and will reportedly serve as the chief of the Regional Plans and Strategy Management Division of Police Regional Office 6. Col. Kim Legada will be the new chief of the ICPO.

Treñas emphasized that during Coronica’s administration, he facilitated the opening of four new police stations in Iloilo: Tanza City Proper (Station 7), Bo. Obrero-Lapuz (Station 8), M.H. Del Pilar, Jaro (Station 9), and Gaisano Capital Iloilo City Center Mall (Station 10).

The mayor said the activation of the new police stations enhances police presence, visibility, and service to approximately 143,000 residents of the city.

“Under his leadership, the Iloilo City police seized P129.5 million worth of illegal drugs and nabbed 867 drug suspects in 561 anti-drug operations from January 27, 2023, to July 12, 2024,” Treñas added.

The mayor also highlighted that under Coronica’s watch, the ICPO arrested 689 wanted persons, including 126 tagged as most wanted and 563 other wanted persons.

The ICPO conducted 148 operations targeting illegal gambling, resulting in the arrest of 583 individuals and the confiscation of P290,805 in gambling money.

In the campaign against loose firearms, Coronica’s leadership led to the arrest of 49 individuals and the seizure of 274 firearms and 21 explosives.

“(Coronica) exhibited unquestionable integrity, commitment to excellence, and strong allegiance to the Constitution, qualities that endeared him to the hearts and minds of the Ilonggos,” Treñas said.