SINCE JANUARY 2019: 102 killed in traffic incidents in Iloilo

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

SINCE 2006, data showed that deaths due to traffic incidents have been on the rise in the Philippines.

And Iloilo province is no exception. From January to September 2019, there were already 102 deaths due to road crashes

“This number is already alarming,” Police Colonel Roland Vilela, Iloilo police chief, said.

The province’s top cop said he could not afford to see rising statistics without doing anything.

As an offshoot, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has moved for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) deputation of more police officers in Iloilo province,

Around 150 personnel attended the two-day seminar held at the IPPO headquarters in Camp Sumagaysay in Sta. Barbara town.

Vilela said he requested the deputation of his personnel in a bid to address the alarming statistics on traffic incidents.

A few days after he assumed office on Vilela posed a 24-hour challenge to all his field commanders to accost traffic violators.

Last month alone, Iloilo PNP apprehended 4,010 traffic violators.

The number is a far cry from just hundreds of apprehensions done from January to August 2019.

Motorists were usually apprehended for three violations: no driver’s license, failure to carry or with expired OR-CR, and motorcycle drivers not wearing crash helmets.

Meanwhile, Roland Ramos, LTO-6 regional director, lauded the initiative for it increases their partners in the enforcement of traffic laws.

“Our personnel are only few, and with your help, we can secure our streets better,” Ramos said.

With the LTO deputation, the police can impose higher fines on traffic violators, which in turn could discipline motorists.