IPPO, Defensor set 2026 safety, anti-drug priorities

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), led by Col. Bayani Razalan and joined by chiefs of police from various towns, paid a start-of-the-year courtesy call on Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on Jan. 14 at the Casa Real de Iloilo.

The meeting highlighted the police force’s operational accomplishments and aligned law enforcement strategies with the governor’s flagship peace, order and resilience agenda under Executive Order No. 111, Series of 2025.

Known as the 4K for MoRProGRes—Kapayapaan, Kaayusan at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas—the program promotes an intensified and integrated approach to safeguarding communities while advancing Iloilo’s development goals under the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive and Resilient Iloilo.

In his message, Defensor lauded the police force for maintaining peace and order across the province and assured continued support from the provincial government, particularly in addressing emerging concerns.

The governor identified vehicular accidents as a major issue, citing risks to public safety and added strain on the health care system.

He said poor road conditions and driver discipline were among the primary factors and announced plans to intensify barangay-level checkpoints, conduct road inventories and invest in breathalyzer units to curb drunk driving.

Based on data presented by the IPPO, total crime incidents in 2025 declined by 83 cases, or 0.99 percent, while peace and order indicator crimes dropped by 11.73 percent, contributing to an overall improvement in public safety.

However, public safety indicators emerged as a growing concern, as vehicular accidents increased by 6.28 percent to 5,341 cases from 5,025 cases the previous year.

Police noted a significant rise in incidents involving reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.

Defensor also stressed the need to further strengthen the anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“The accomplishments are good, but we will do better. We will improve because even with good results, illegal drugs still manage to enter the province,” he said.

Based on a Provincial Operations Management Unit report, the IPPO conducted 371 anti-drug operations last year, leading to the arrest of 515 individuals, including 152 high-value targets and 361 street-level suspects.

Authorities seized 24,488.84 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 165.97 million and 72.43 grams of marijuana worth PHP 10,864.52, with a total of 1,065 cases filed.

The provincial police office said the accomplishments were achieved with the support of local government units and communities and committed to intensifying enforcement and preventive measures in 2026.