ILOILO – “We need to strengthen our barangay information network.”
This, according to new Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Police Colonel Roland Vilela, is what he is going to do, when asked how he plans to combat drug trafficking.
“Information from the community is really a big help,” said Vilela who is set to hold his first command conference tomorrow.
He will also be reviewing each police unit’s list of high-value targets.
“We will sit down with the police chiefs and review their drug targets. We must know their whereabouts so we can start hunting them down,” said Vilela.
The new IPPO director summed up his priority programs with the acronym “VILELA” which stands for the following:
* Vigorously eradicate illegal drugs and other forms of criminality
* Implement provincial, municipal and city ordinances
* Law enforcement without fear or favor
* Enhance management of police operations
* Local communist insurgency must end
* Actively support stakeholders on peace and order
Aside from the campaign against illegal drugs, Vilela said the drive against illegal gambling and fugitives would also be given impetus.
In all these, said Vilela, the IPPO needs the help of the community.
Vilela has replaced Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba who is now the chief of the Directorial Staff in the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. picked Vilela from among the three recommendees to head the IPPO.
As a former police chief of an island barangay in Samal, Vilela said he will also prioritize the campaign against illegal fishing, particularly in northern Iloilo.
“I am looking forward to the challenges with the ardent support of the media, the people and those in the higher office. I hope I will not fail. The task is enormous,” he said.
He also appealed to Ilonggos to “follow the rules, follow the law and be productive citizens for the betterment of our country.”
Vilela’s last assignment was as chief of the Regional Comptroller Division of Police Regional Office 2.
Vilela is a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Kapanalig Class of 1997.
His father is from Batangas while his mother is from Capiz. He is fluent in Hiligaynon. (With a report from Capitol News/PN)
