Iloilo province index crimes drop 45% during Holy Week

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Despite several hacking and shooting incidents, Iloilo province had a generally peaceful observance of Holy Week this year.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office recorded a significant decrease in index crimes, which involve crimes against persons and property.

Based on IPPO records, index crimes dropped by 45% during this year’s Holy Week compared with last year.

For the period, IPPO director Col. Bayani Razalan placed all police units under full alert from March 29, Palm Sunday, to April 5, Easter Sunday.

The heightened security posture resulted in the absence of any major incidents during the entire Holy Week security coverage.

Comparative data showed that index crimes totaled 20 cases last year.

This year, only 11 cases were recorded.

Overall crime incidents also declined by 13.56% — from 177 cases last year to 153 cases this year.

Meanwhile, IPPO recorded a 17.74% reduction in non-index crimes.

From 62 cases last year, non-index crimes went down to 51 incidents this year.

Vehicular accidents likewise slightly decreased by 4.21%.

From 95 incidents in 2025, the figure went down to 91 incidents in 2026.

Razalan said that while a few minor incidents were recorded in remote areas, these were mostly liquor-related and were deemed isolated cases.

The IPPO emphasized that these did not affect the province’s overall peaceful situation.

Razalan said the favorable outcome was attributed to the effective implementation of the IPPO security plan, which included heightened police visibility, intensified area monitoring, checkpoint operations, the establishment of Police Assistance Desks and sustained public safety advisories.

He added that close coordination with partner national government agencies, local government units, barangay officials, barangay tanods and other force multipliers further strengthened the security coverage.

Razalan also commended both the Ilonggo police and the Ilonggo community for their shared commitment to peace and order.

The Iloilo police chief also assured the public that sustained anti-criminality efforts and proactive security operations will continue to preserve peace and order across Iloilo province.