ILOILO City – The city government’s tough stance against street crimes appears to be having a positive effect, as the city saw no reported incidents of “basag kotse” (car break-ins) following its declaration of war on street criminals.
Since February 10, there have been no recorded cases of car break-ins, a marked decrease from January when six such incidents occurred.
The last reported case was on January 31, after which the city’s anti-crime efforts were significantly ramped up.
Mayor Jerry Treñas had ordered the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to intensify its operations against street criminals, particularly focusing on car theft, snatching, and other petty crimes.
On January 30 in Barangay Guzman Jesena, Mandurriao district, a car break-in resulted in the loss of P14,000 in cash, identification cards, and bank cards.
The following day, January 31, five incidents were reported. The first two were in Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao and in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district. Stolen items included assorted cards, P2,000, and an iPad, which was later recovered in a hot pursuit operation.
Three more cases occurred in Mandurriao and Jaro district that day, though no items were reported stolen.
Mayor Treñas also urged financial institutions to install security cameras around their premises and ensuring that these would be connected to the ICARE command center for real-time monitoring.
Other proactive measures included increasing police presence, directing barangay officials to set up village surveillance cameras, and offering rewards to successful apprehension of criminals.
According to ICPO spokesperson Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, the intensified efforts are paying off, as no further car break-ins have been reported.
“We are committed to maintaining the safety of the public and will continue our heightened patrols and vigilance,” she said.
Treñas said 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./PN
