By Jennifer P. Rendon and Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has taken a firm stance against the rise in “basag-kotse” (car break-in) incidents and other street crimes in the city, offering rewards to officials and Green Guards who successfully apprehend those involved.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded six basag-kotse incidents between Jan. 30 and 31 in the districts of Mandurriao, Lapaz, and Jaro.
On Jan. 30, thieves broke into a car in Barangay Guzman Jesena, Mandurriao, stealing PHP14,000 in cash, identification cards, and bank cards.
The following day, two incidents were reported in Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao, and Barangay Nabitasan, Lapaz. Stolen items included assorted cards, PHP2,999 in cash, and an iPad, which was recovered during a hot pursuit operation.
Three additional incidents were logged later that day in Mandurriao and Jaro, though no items were reported stolen.
Treñas described the situation as unacceptable and urged the ICPO, Traffic and Transportation Management Office, Public Order and Safety Management Office, and barangay officials to take immediate action.
The mayor also announced plans to procure additional CCTV cameras for key areas, including the city’s esplanades, and instructed local banks to install high-quality surveillance systems linked to the city’s fiber optic network.
“We will not tolerate these crimes that threaten the safety of our people. Our personnel have been mobilized to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure the immediate arrest of criminals,” ICPO Director Col. Kim Legada said.
Legada added that police units have been directed to conduct aggressive anti-criminality operations and coordinate with barangay officials, businesses, and transport groups to enhance community vigilance.
The ICPO’s campaign also includes proactive measures such as Oplan Sita and Oplan Bakal, which aim to deter illegal activities like snatching, theft, and hold-ups.
The last reported basag-kotse case in Iloilo City prior to this surge occurred on Jan. 25, 2024, in front of a restaurant in Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, where suspects stole a PHP7,000 mobile phone.
Basag-kotse incidents have been documented in Iloilo City since 2009, with periodic spikes in 2011, 2012, and 2014. Only one group of suspects has been arrested over the years, and they managed to post bail.
