New Iloilo City top cop vows to revitalize anti-drug drive

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Just like most police commanders, newly installed Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief Colonel Joeresthy Coronica has set his sights on the illegal drug problem.

During his assumption of office Friday, Coronica announced that he will reinvigorate the campaign against illegal drugs.

“We should be united in this fight so that we will no longer go back to the dark chapters of our history in as far as illegal drug activities are concerned in the region, and in the city of Iloilo,” he said.

But Coronica did not elaborate in the meantime. He also asked that media interviews be done after he is thoroughly briefed on the situation.

But aside from illegal drugs, Coronica said they would also review the deployment of the troops and make necessary adjustments to boost police visibility and improve the enforcement of laws and local ordinances.

He assured that ICPO personnel will reciprocate with services the “remarkable support” extended by the city government to improve its capability through better coordination, collaboration, and partnership with the stakeholders, including the barangay and city officials.

“We can realize our goals if we capacitate our people, inspire, and motivate them and of course, mentor them,” he said.

The said goals, Coronica added, are also anchored on MKK=K (Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, and Kaunlaran) Framework, which is PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.’s peace and security program.

Coronica said initiatives to maintain the standards of discipline of our PNP personnel should not be placed on the backseat.

“Instead, it should be sustained and observed at all levels of command,” he said.

He said he will issue other marching orders in the coming days.

As he enjoined all ICPO personnel to perform their tasks with renewed vigor, Coronica also asked the people of Iloilo City to trust the police.

“Help us make the city achieve its goal to become a progressive and prosperous city in our country,” he said.

Coronica, the outgoing chief of the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD), is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class 2000.

A native of Candoni, Negros Occidental, most of Coronica’s assignments are in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.