BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – The series of recent criminal incidents in the province were “isolated” and “unrelated”, insisted the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO).
They were also predominantly fueled by alcohol-related conflicts and not linked to illegal drugs, said Police Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson.
The past week saw several crimes across various towns, including the discovery of bodies in Calinog, Banate, Lambunao, and New Lucena, and a murder case in Sara.
Araño advised citizens to exercise self-control when consuming alcohol and to avoid letting emotions cloud their judgment.
“Uncontrolled anger is a major factor in these incidents. We urge everyone to drink responsibly,” said Araño.
Araño said significant progress has been made in the cases.
“In Lambunao, a suspect is under surveillance as we await the arrival of the victim’s family from Mindanao to discuss legal actions. In Calinog, we identified the victim’s live-in partner as a suspect. The suspect in the Sara murder was captured during a hot pursuit operation, and in Banate, all suspects were apprehended. Investigations are ongoing in New Lucena, where we are closely monitoring persons of interest,” said Araño./PN
