Legada named next Iloilo City police chief

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Colonel Kim Legada is poised to return to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO). This time, he will lead the nearly 1,200-strong ICPO force.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, confirmed on Tuesday the imminent relief of Colonel Joeresty Coronica as ICPO director and Legada’s appointment.

Wanky, accompanied by both Legada and Coronica, met with Mayor Jerry Treñas on Tuesday morning.

When asked if the planned turnover of command would occur next week, Wanky said, “Nag-okay naman si Mayor (Treñas) kaina.”

He cited “career advancement” for both officers as the reason for their relief and reassignment.

Legada, currently the chief of the Regional Plans and Strategy Division, and Coronica are both members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 2000.

Legada, a native of Passi City, Iloilo, previously headed ICPO’s Station 1 (City Proper), Station 5 (Mandurriao), and the former Iloilo City Mobile Group.

It was learned that Coronica, who took over as ICPO chief on Jan. 27, 2023, might temporarily swap positions with Legada.

Eventually, Coronica, who hails from Candoni, Negros Occidental, will join the Police Regional Office-18 (Negros Island Region).