MINORS IN MAYHEM: Iloilo City cracks down on gangs after youth brawl

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government is moving swiftly to shield minors from gang-related violence and criminal activity through a whole-of-society approach, following recent incidents involving youth.

On Sunday, Aug. 3, at least 22 young individuals, including 19 minors, were apprehended after a brawl broke out at the ICC Gaisano grounds.

Iloilo City Police Station 10 confirmed the altercation involved students from various schools in the districts of City Proper, Molo and Arevalo.

The minors have been profiled for ongoing monitoring and were later released.

On the evening of Aug. 1, a confrontation between two minors led to a stabbing at Jaro Plaza.

A police hot pursuit operation resulted in the arrest of both individuals, who were turned over to authorities by their parents.

“The city mayor considers this alarming and believes it should be given utmost attention,” said Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu.

Treñas-Chu convened an emergency meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Iloilo City Police Office, local police station heads and Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children.

She announced the reactivation of the Batang Pandilla Program, a joint initiative of the ICPO and Police Regional Office 6 aimed at addressing gang activity, children in conflict with the law and children at risk.

The program follows a six-phase framework—from identification and education to outreach and long-term monitoring.

It is carried out in coordination with government agencies, NGOs, religious groups and schools.

“We will intensify the lectures in schools, especially those with larger student populations, to raise awareness and prevent gang recruitment,” Fantilaga-Gorzal said.

She added that the city is also prioritizing diversion and rehabilitation efforts, with Treñas-Chu directing the CSWDO to submit an updated comprehensive juvenile intervention plan.

School heads and barangay officials will also be convened to ensure a unified response.

Intensified police visibility

To deter future gang gatherings, the city government plans to establish satellite police stations in all public markets once they formally open.

“This is to increase presence and deter gang gatherings. The police also maintain visibility in fixed locations,” Fantilaga-Gorzal said.

She said Treñas-Chu warned that without timely intervention, minors involved in gangs are likely to become “criminals” in the future.

“This is a priority under her administration. We cannot afford to wait until someone gets killed,” she said.