ILOILO City – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) arrested a total of 480 wanted persons in five months of operation.
This was 90 percent higher compared to last year’s 253 arrests, data from the IPPO showed.
Between Jan. 1 and May 5 this year, 63 persons arrested were included in the top 10 wanted list.
Under the Oplan Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang (OPLAN TKAL), police collected 296 loose firearms this year – 187 of which were surrendered or unregistered, 51 recovered through search warrants, 56 deposited pending renewal of license, and two abandoned.
These accomplishments were the result of non-stop operations, according to Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of the IPPO.
“The increase in our accomplishments is a testament to the unwavering support and confidence of the community to their Ilonggo cops,” Gorero stressed.
He once again directed his police officers to continue their operation against persons with arrest warrants and those possessing unlicensed firearms.
“This is not yet the time to be complacent. Good performance is not our goal but it must be our lifestyle,” he added.
Gorero said he is closely monitoring his personnel to ensure that directives are carried out and adhered to.
He also said that aside from their focus on anti-criminality and anti-terrorism efforts, they are also paying attention to the implementation of minimum health protocols against coronavirus disease 2019.
“We are in very challenging times but your Ilonggo cops are unwavering in their commitment to serve and protect,” Gorero affirmed.
The IPPO director also lauded the Barotac Nuevo police station under Police Major Rowena Hubero for leading the accomplishments in the campaign against wanted persons (30 arrests carried out).
The Concepcion police station, headed by Police Major Ronnie Brillo, took the second highest number of arrests – 25.
The Oton, Santa Barbara, Dumangas and Barotac Viejo police stations recorded 21 arrests each./PN
