Treñas-Chu pledges full support for Iloilo City police

ILOILO CITY — Ask, and it will be given.

This was the assurance of Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu to the leadership of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) during a ceremony at Camp Achilles D. Plagata on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

The event featured the presentation of Project RTT 3389 and confiscated modified mufflers, the blessing of six motorcycles and a pickleball court, and the groundbreaking of a new ICPO building.

The Iloilo City government donated the six motorcycles and allocated PHP 20 million for the construction of the two-story police building.

“Kun ano kinahanglan sang ICPO, the City Government will support para mapadayon ang safety sa Iloilo,” Treñas-Chu said.

She added that the city government could have provided more motorcycles, but ICPO director Col. Wilbert Parilla requested only six, which surprised her.

The mayor described the donations as concrete steps toward strengthening the operational capabilities of the city police force.

“These motorcycles can help our officers reach communities more efficiently and respond when their presence is needed most,” she added.

With Parilla also requesting a new building, Treñas-Chu assured the police leadership that the city government would fund another building in 2027.

For the mayor, the new facility represents the city government’s commitment to providing police officers with a workplace that supports their responsibilities and enables them to deliver better public service.

“Patahumon ta na di ang facade sang ICPO. After all, Best Police Office man kita, so dapat mapatahom naton ang aton nga facade,” she said.

The ICPO was recognized as the country’s Best City Police Office for the second consecutive year during the first Philippine National Police Day celebration on Jan. 29, 2026, following a similar distinction in August 2025.

Treñas-Chu said the ceremony was also a celebration of the people, discipline, and commitment behind efforts to make Iloilo City safer.

She added that the various investments in the ICPO serve different purposes but share one goal: building a police force that is better equipped, better supported, and better prepared to serve the public.

“And while we celebrate these developments, let us remember that equipment and infrastructure can only go so far. What truly gives an institution its strength is the character of the people behind it,” she said.

Treñas-Chu also acknowledged the role and responsibility of police officers in protecting the public at all times.

“That responsibility is not easy, and the City Government recognizes the dedication and sacrifices that come with it,” she said.

The mayor emphasized that public safety cannot be achieved by the police alone and requires a shared commitment among government institutions and residents.

She stressed the need for a responsive local government, disciplined and responsible citizens, and communities willing to work hand in hand with those entrusted to protect them.

“Bilang inyo alkalde, I want you to know that the City Government of Iloilo remains committed to supporting our police force and strengthening our partnership with the ICPO,” she said.

Treñas-Chu said the city government’s goal was not simply to respond to problems when they arise, “but to build a city where crime is prevented, laws are respected, and every Ilonggo feels secure in their home and community.”

The event also highlighted the ICPO’s continuing law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives, including Project RTT 3389, or Restrict, Track and Turn-In.

The Police Regional Office 6 initiative aims to account for loose firearms and encourage their voluntary surrender across Western Visayas’ 3,389 barangays to reduce the risks of gun-related violence.

In a Sept. 25 report, PRO-6 said the campaign had resulted in the voluntary surrender of 3,583 loose firearms across the region, including 199 from Iloilo City.

The presentation of confiscated modified mufflers also underscored the city police’s continuing enforcement efforts against vehicles fitted with unauthorized exhaust systems that contribute to noise pollution and disturb communities.