Iloilo police boosts anti-robbery training

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office has strengthened security measures against crimes, particularly robberies perpetrated by the so-called termite gang.

Last week, IPPO conducted security enhancement training in the towns of Leganes, Cabatuan, Oton, Tigbauan, and Pototan.

Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, Iloilo police chief, said they wanted to engage stakeholders and equip them with the necessary information on how to prevent crimes.

In attendance were security officers of malls and financial institutions, chief tanods from different barangays, barangay kagawads who chair committees on peace and order, and other stakeholders.

Solis said the seminar lasted for several hours, during which attendees were given lectures on the modus operandi of the termite gang.

They were also given tips on how a termite gang could target an establishment.

Attendees were also told to be watchful of individuals posing as transient boarders.

The so-called termite gang is known for breaking into establishments by boring through walls or other entry points, often after conducting surveillance in the area.

Lt. Col. Banquillo, IPPO deputy provincial director for operations, and Lt. Col. Sheila Marie Sardoma, chief of the IPPO police community relations section, served as lecturers.

Solis said they plan to conduct the same seminar in all municipalities and the lone component city in the province.

The training came on the heels of Police Regional Office 6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan’s warning that he would have no second thoughts about relieving chiefs of police if members of the termite gang stage an attack in their areas of responsibility.

Ligan’s statement came after the April 27 termite gang-perpetrated incident that victimized C. Bayate Pawnshop and Jewelry Store in Calinog, Iloilo.

C. Bayate Pawnshop and Jewelry Store lost around PHP 2.9 million during the robbery.

Police identified four suspects behind the incident.

Upon verification, the four suspects were found to have been involved in similar robbery incidents in Luzon.

In fact, one of them was among the five suspects who were allegedly involved in another pawnshop robbery on Dec. 17, 2025, in Pavia, Iloilo.