BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO, JEN BAYLON & MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The public has nothing to fear, as this southern city remains peaceful and orderly, reports the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, the ICPO director, emphasized that the death of Kristopher Cabalquinto, a suspected drug personality, was an isolated case.
“The ICPO is on top of the situation. The public has nothing to worry about. Iloilo City is a peaceful place,” Coronica said.
He directed the six police station chiefs to intensify police presence and checkpoints, especially during nighttime.
Cabalquinto’s mutilated remains were found in multiple locations: Barangay Buhang in the Jaro district, Barangay Ticud in the La Paz district, and Barangay Quezon in the Arevalo district.
The cardboard found with the decapitated body of the victim bore the words “Ibabalik ang Kamay na Bakal. Babala sa mga pusher. Merry Christmas 2023” and “Babala sa mga adik. Ibabalik ang Kamay na Bakal. PDU30” accompanying the mutilated head.
The ICPO is now investigating multiple “persons of interest” in the murder.
“We have identified persons of interest. We are looking for the last person who was reportedly seen with the victim before his disappearance,” Coronica explained.
He mentioned that illegal drug involvement and a crime of passion are the two possible motives being considered by the ICPO.
Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), confirmed that Cabalquinto was under their surveillance. His operations were described as “on and off,” and although he was targeted for a test-buy, the plan did not materialize, Palomo added.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) condemned the gruesome murder of Cabalquinto.
“We will utilize all resources to solve the case and identify the culprits. We will not stop until justice is served to the victim and his family,” said Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, PRO-6 director.
PRO-6 has also extended support to the Cabalquinto family, offering assistance and guidance throughout the legal process.
Villaflor urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
“With the collective effort of law enforcement and the cooperation of the community, PRO-6 aims to ensure that those responsible for this appalling crime are held accountable, ultimately bringing justice to Kristopher Cabalquinto and peace to his loved ones,” Villaflor added.
‘Drug Personalities Grow Less Fearful’
Following Cabalquinto’s death, the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on police, fire, penology, public safety, order and security, dangerous drugs, and rehabilitation observed that drug personalities have become less fearful compared to when operations against illegal drugs with Oplan Tokhang were at their peak.
Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, committee chairperson, noted reports of drug personalities slowly finding ways to sell illegal drugs again.
“Although we’ve also recognized the efforts of our ICPO, which recently confiscated huge volumes of illegal drugs,” he said.
He stressed that the concerted efforts of respective government agencies and the community within the city would be crucial in eradicating the drug menace./PN
