Razalan’s One Year at IPPO: A Commitment to Public Safety, Community Welfare

By Jennifer P. Rendon

On April 19, 2025, Col. Bayani Razalan marked his first year as director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

Despite challenges, Razalan’s leadership brought notable progress in maintaining peace and order across the province.

In a press statement, IPPO reported a series of sustained campaigns targeting illegal drugs, wanted persons, illegal gambling, loose firearms, illegal fishing, illegal quarrying, and illegal logging.

These efforts reflect the agency’s continued commitment to public safety and community welfare.

Since assuming office on April 15, 2024, various IPPO units have conducted 370 operations that led to the arrest of 475 individuals, including 117 high-value targets.

Confiscated illegal drugs were estimated at 15.86 kilograms, valued at around PHP106.7 million.

Police also filed 990 cases in court during the period.

Razalan prioritized the arrest of wanted individuals, with 1,064 operations resulting in the apprehension of 1,066 fugitives, including 252 most wanted persons.

“It has been our commitment to ensure that no criminal escapes the law and that justice is served for victims and their families,” Razalan said.

In the campaign against illegal gambling, IPPO conducted 146 operations that led to the arrest of 374 individuals and the seizure of PHP135,521 in illegal gambling proceeds.

The campaign against loose firearms also underscored Razalan’s first year.

The IPPO carried out 198 operations that resulted in the arrest of 173 individuals and the confiscation of 201 firearms.

An additional 451 firearms were surrendered, while 155 were deposited for safekeeping.

Razalan said this initiative is vital in reducing gun-related violence and promoting community safety.

To protect Iloilo’s marine resources, IPPO launched 300 operations against illegal fishing, which led to the arrest of 806 individuals and the seizure of 466 fishing vessels.

The confiscated fish had a total estimated value of PHP1,016,358.

Efforts to preserve environmental integrity also included 296 operations against illegal quarrying, resulting in 317 arrests and the impounding of 314 vehicles.

IPPO’s anti-illegal logging campaign involved 13 operations, which led to 19 arrests and the confiscation of 3,885.9 board feet of lumber valued at PHP177,745.

Amid these accomplishments, Razalan commended the dedication of IPPO personnel in upholding law enforcement and community safety.

He also acknowledged the trust and cooperation of the Ilonggo community, stating that these achievements would not have been possible without their support.

“This collaboration exemplifies the shared dedication of both the police and the community in their collective mission to create a safer and more secure Iloilo,” he said.

Razalan added that the accomplishments are a testament to the Ilonggos’ unwavering trust in the police.