By: Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) placed more checkpoint and chokepoint stations all over the province throughout the Holidays.
Colonel Roland Vilela, Iloilo police chief, said he sent a directive to all field commanders to intensify the proactive security measures to deter criminality.
This, he said, is relative to IPPO’s goal of achieving zero major crime incident during the Holiday Season.
“Naka-full alert ang buong pwersa natin para maiwasan ang gulo at mapasiguro ang seguridad ng ating mamamayan,” Vilela said.
He said checkpoints and choke points in strategic places will contribute to their bid to ensure the security of the people and visitors of Iloilo.
These police operations intend to intercept the transport of contrabands, such as prohibited firecrackers, loose firearms, and illegal drugs.
Vilela said almost 2,000 personnel will be maximized for security coverage.
But aside from criminality, Vilela said the conduct of checkpoints will also help to deter vehicular incidents.
“Part of my directive is for the police to arrest those who are violating traffic-related laws,” he said.
Vilela also ordered the arrest of motorists who should not be on the road.
“I instructed them to check the papers of the drivers and that of their vehicles. I hope those vehicles that are only road-worthy should be plying,” he said.
In both goals – zero major crime and lessening of traffic incidents – Vilela has again enjoined public support for their safety and security.
“Kailangan ang bawat isa ay mapagmatyag at maging alerto upang ang sakuna at kriminalidad ay maiwasan,” he said.