‘Imported’ pickpockets on ICPO’s radar

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Police will be on the lookout for pickpockets, bag slashers, and snatchers who might abound Iloilo City streets during the Dinagyang Festival 2023.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO)’s radar would extend to pickpockets who would be “imported” to Iloilo City.

But Colonel Leo Batiles, Iloilo City police chief, said ICPO has “prophylactic” or preemptive measures against Dinagyang thieves.

More than a week ago, Batiles coordinated with intelligence operatives based in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to monitor the thieves operating in their area.

These imported thieves came from an “academy,” as they are well-trained before they would be let loose on the streets.

“They are part of a group with a financier and a lawyer who would process their bail once they get caught,” Batiles said.

But so far, these imported pickpockets have yet to set foot in Iloilo City.

If they managed to slip past the local police radar, ICPO said they have deployed personnel to monitor them once they disembark from fast craft terminals.

Batiles said some known pickpockets might have not set foot in Iloilo City as they are now in Kalibo, Aklan for the Ati-Atihan Festival, which will have its highlight this weekend.

“They’re just going around. They go where the festivals or fiestas are,” he said.

A few weeks ago, Batiles said they have neutralized a group of “imported” pickpockets in Mandurriao district.

The group, which maintained a hideout in Jaro district, came from Roxas City, Capiz for the Halaran Festival, which is celebrated every December 8.

But on top of police monitoring, Batiles has asked the public to have self-imposed security consciousness.

“You should be aware and vigilant of your surroundings,” he said.

In 2020, the most recent in-person Dinagyang Festival, ICPO recorded zero cases for both robbery and theft incidents.

In 2017, there was a lone case of robbery and 19 reported theft cases; zero robbery and five recorded theft incidents in 2018; and one robbery and six theft cases in 2019.