ILOILO City – In a bid to strengthen crime prevention efforts, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has established a specialized tracker team aimed at targeting robbers and other criminal elements.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the IPPO, revealed that this team is made up of intelligence officers from all local police stations, focusing on dismantling robbery syndicates, including the “bukas kotse” gangs.
Razalan emphasized the importance of coordination with barangay officials and the implementation of roving patrols to monitor criminal activities.
“Police visibility and close coordination with the community are essential in preventing crimes, especially robberies and break-ins,” Razalan said.
Additionally, the IPPO chief ordered police chiefs to set up checkpoints around the clock as part of the preventive measures.
The creation of the tracker team follows a series of robbery incidents in several towns, including Pavia, Barotac Viejo, Sta. Barbara, and San Enrique. Investigations are currently underway, with police identifying several persons of interest.
Razalan clarified that the robberies were not carried out by organized groups but rather by individuals.
“Although these are small-time criminals, we must remain vigilant, and our tracker team will pursue them. We are also ready to provide escorts for collectors carrying large sums of money to prevent robberies,” Razalan added./PN
