ILOILO City – Four additional police stations have been activated here, bringing the total number of facilities to 10. This is a proactive approach to ensuring peace and safety for the residents and visitors of the metro.
No less than Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Marbil led the ceremony held at Barangay Tanza Esperanza in the City Proper district, where the new Police Station 7 is located.
The three other new police stations are located in Barangay Bo. Obrero in Lapuz district (Police Station 8 ), Barangay M.H. Del Pilar in Jaro district (Police Station 9), and Gaisano Iloilo City Center in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao (Police Station 10).
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said this is a very welcome development for Iloilo City as a result of the shared commitment of the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) in making Iloilo a safer, more peaceful and livable place for everyone.
“With the rapid growth of our population and our economy, we should also take cognizance of the increased demands on public services, including law enforcement and emergency response. That’s why we have established ICARE Centers and additional police stations,” said Treñas.
ICARE stands for Iloilo City Action and Response Centers. Its frontline offices including the police cater to a certain area of responsibility and bring emergency response and services closer and more accessible to people in the community.
Marbil, on his part, expressed his gratitude to Treñas for all his support. He also assured the city mayor of strengthened police visibility and other security measures on the ground, especially since the metro has been hosting a series of conventions.
“I am very happy with how supportive he is of the PNP. Sa kay Mayor, maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tulong niyo sa amin. Thank you po sa pagtitiwala,” said Marbil.
Meanwhile, approximately 290 police personnel will man the four new facilities, boosting the total police force in Iloilo City to over 1,000 officers.
The ICPO, as a Type B City Police Office, is authorized to have 10 police stations based on National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Resolution Number 2019-1032, entitled “Approving the Restructuring and Strengthening of 20 City Police Offices.”
“Happy, happy gid ako. This is a dream come true for us. We have been qualified since late 2019; however, due to the pandemic, it was put on hold,” Treñas said.
“Response time will be faster. I thank the Chief PNP, Regional Director Wanky and City Director Coronica for this approval. Iloilo City truly welcomes the four police stations and the additional police forces,” the city mayor added.
Though he was not able to attend the activation ceremony because of his scheduled executive check-up, Treñas shared that he, through a phone conversation, assured Marbil of the city government’s continued support for the police, especially in terms of enhancing their operational capability.
He disclosed that ICPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is getting a new armored car in addition to four SWAT vans that were previously given as part of the city’s commitment to cement its status as the 8th safest city in Southeast Asia, according to the Numbeo Southeast Asia: Safety Index for 2023.
Iloilo City’s law enforcement also has a total of 37 police cars patrolling across seven districts and responding to incidents, with three additional units expected. Further, the existing 61 police motorcycles ensure police mobility and access to narrow thoroughfares.
The city government has also procured two K-9 explosives-detecting dogs, 80 pieces of 5.56 rifles, and 5,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition.
Office furniture and computers were procured as well.
Likewise, there will be new procurements of supplies and logistics for the new police stations.
THE NEW POLICE STATIONS’ AOR
Police Station 7 will cover 24 barangays in City Proper which were previously under the area of responsibility (AOR) of Iloilo City Police Station 1, with a population of 26,835, and a land area of 1.33047 square kilometers.
Meanwhile, Police Station 8 will serve Lapuz district particularly the 12 barangays of the district with a population of 30,384 and a land area of 3.2435 sq. km.
It is housed in the old barangay hall of Barangay Bo. Obrero, Lapuz. This will allow Police Station 2 to focus exclusively on overseeing the entire La Paz district area.
Meanwhile, the 29 barangays of Jaro District which were served by Iloilo City Police Station 3, will now be placed under Police Station 9. Located at USWAG Youth Center in Barangay M.H Del Pilar, Jaro, the new station will serve 60,519 Jaro residents and a land area of 11.8071 sq. km.
Lastly, Police Station 10, which is temporarily situated at Gaisano ICC in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao will serve seven barangays of Mandurriao district, with a population of 25,917 and a land area of 5.1262 sq. km, which were previously under the area of responsibility of Iloilo City Police Station 5.
Police Station 10 will be permanently relocated to ICARE Center Megaworld in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, once construction of the facility is completed.
For ICPO director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, having new police stations is a dream come true, and he is very thankful for the support of the whole PNP organization and the city government./PN
