By Jennifer P. Rendon
Thanks to safer roads and more disciplined motorists.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recorded a decline in the number of public safety index crimes, or vehicular incidents, in January 2021, compared to the same period last year.
Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said that IPPO recorded 185 vehicular incidents, or 98 cases from last year’s 283.
Of the 185 vehicular incidents, 13 resulted in homicide, 95 in damage to property, and 77 in physical injuries.
Gorero said this is good progress due to the efforts of the Ilonggo cops to keep the highways and other roads in the province safe for the motorists and pedestrians alike.
The IPPO has been implementing Oplan Hilway Dalan, which puts premium on enforcement of traffic laws, like the wearing of helmet, driving with license; and the establishment of road signs in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The deputation of 160 police personnel by the Land Transportation Office 6 is also a factor for the successful enforcement of traffic laws preventing road accidents.
Last year, the IPPO has been active in its campaign to weed out the road of “unauthorized” vehicles and drivers amid the rising vehicular incidents.
On the average, at least nine vehicular incidents happened daily in Iloilo province in 2019.
In saying that it should be a cause for alarm, IPPO records showed that there were 3,299 vehicular incidents that happened in the province in 2019.
Almost half of it, or 1,589 cases, were reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.
On the other hand, 1,571 incidents are reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries and 139 cases are reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.
The Iloilo PNP has strengthened its campaign against vehicles without or expired registration; drivers without or expired license; and motorcycle drivers and riders not wearing the prescribed crash helmets.
