ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has launched an intensified campaign against street criminals following a surge in basag kotse (car break-ins) cases and holdups.
He lamented that even minor street crimes have a direct impact on residents’ safety and well-being.
Treñas ordered the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and its intelligence units to increase patrols, with additional support from the city’s Green Guards.
In a recent meeting with the Bankers’ Association, the mayor urged financial institutions to install CCTV cameras around their premises as a preventive measure.
These surveillance systems will be connected to the ICARE command center at Gaisano Capital in Mandurriao district to enhance real-time monitoring.
The mayor also highlighted the importance of adopting innovative strategies to combat street crimes.
Among these measures installing more CCTV cameras across the city and increasing police visibility in public areas.
Directing barangay officials to set up CCTV cameras in their localities, aligned with specifications from the CDRRMO.
Treñas noted that street crimes are not unique to Iloilo City and occur even in major cities like Rome and Paris.
However, he stressed that it is the responsibility of local authorities to implement proactive measures to minimize such incidents.
As an additional incentive, the mayor announced that he would personally reward any officer or Green Guard who successfully apprehends perpetrators of Basag Kotse and related crimes.
“This is unacceptable,” Treñas said firmly. “We will not tolerate these crimes in our city.”
His spokesperson, Joy F. Fantilaga, echoed his sentiments, warning that those who disrupt Iloilo City’s peace and order will face the full force of the law.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities to help maintain the city’s safety./PN
