BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – Crime incidents during the Christmas celebration remained low, according to the monitoring police authorities from the city and province of Iloilo.
Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said the province remained peaceful and orderly due to the sufficient police presence deployed in churches.
The visibility of force multipliers also contributed to maintaining peace and order, he added.
Araño further noted that this year’s Christmas celebration was more peaceful compared to the previous year.
He advised the public to continue observing this situation and to take caution in celebrating the upcoming New Year’s Day peacefully and safely.
Meanwhile, Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), said the Simbang Gabi concluded without any major untoward incidents across seven city districts, as reported by respective station commanders.
This, he said, is apart from the early morning fire that occurred in a residential area in Barangay Salvacion Habog-Habog, Molo district on Dec. 16.
Coronica expressed gratitude to ICPO personnel, the local government unit, and the Catholic faithful for their unity, support and cooperation in ensuring the orderly conduct of the masses and compliance with city laws and local ordinances.
The ICPO chief assured the public that the police force would remain vigilant throughout the holiday season. They will continue to monitor critical areas until the Dinagyang Festival 2024 celebration in January, following the New Year revelries.
“We are committed to serving our constituents even during the holiday season. The ICPO is always at your service to ensure everyone enjoys Christmas and the New Year with the assurance of their safety and security,” added Coronica./PN
