Parilla confirmed as Iloilo City police chief after 85 days

By Jennifer P. Rendon

After almost three months, the Philippine National Police has confirmed the appointment of Col. Wilbert Parilla as Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director.

From officer-in-charge, Parilla was named full-fledged ICPO chief through a general order issued by higher headquarters on April 8.

It took 85 days for him to get the post. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 initially announced on Jan. 13 that he would act as a “caretaker,” taking over the position vacated by Col. Roland Bulalacao, who was relieved as PRO-6 deputy regional director for operations.

But it turned out PRO-6 had been positioning him for the ICPO directorship.

During his first flag-raising ceremony on Jan. 19, Parilla vowed to lead with a “firm but fair, disciplined yet humane” approach.

He also said that leadership is not defined by rank or title, but by collective service, trust, and shared responsibility.

In Parilla’s first 85 days in office, the ICPO said it recorded significant accomplishments in its intensified campaigns against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, loose firearms, wanted persons, the eight focus crimes, and other forms of criminality.

Within three months, he reportedly initiated several community-centered programs, including bike patrolling to sustain police visibility and ensure operational efficiency amid rising fuel costs due to Middle East tensions, the implementation of “human blinkers” to enhance nighttime visibility and security, Project TATAP, an environmental protection initiative, and “SPOX Time,” a regular dialogue with members of the media.

The ICPO said Parilla also strengthened grassroots engagement through barangay-level dialogues with village officials, district leaders, and stakeholders to address pressing community concerns, including incidents of violence, leading to the arrest of suspects and the filing of appropriate charges.

Parilla previously served as chief of the Regional Intelligence Division before assuming his current post, succeeding Col. Kim Legada, who is now chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division at PRO-6.