The Iloilo City Government is ramping up security measures following reported multiple incidents of car theft and holdup.
At a press conference on Monday, Feb. 10, Mayor Jerry Treñas said that while areas like Guzman-Gesena in Mandurriao are well-lit, they lack enough foot traffic, making them vulnerable to criminal activities.
“We are declaring war against hold-uppers, ‘basag kotse’ syndicates and street crimes,” Treñas said.
Treñas instructed Iloilo City Police Office Director Col. Kim Legada and Public Safety and Transportation Management Office head Uldarico Garbanzos to deploy more security officers along the 9-kilometer Esplanade park.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer will also install additional closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in the area.
The mayor said the city government had already boosted the capability of the local police with the provision of at least 50 service cars.
He warned against complacency, noting that while Iloilo City is recognized as one of the safest in Asia, criminal syndicates can still strike.
Treñas said he asked the Bankers Association of Iloilo to connect their CCTVs in front of their establishments and automated teller machines (ATMs) with the Iloilo City Action and Resilience center.
“We are not interested in CCTVs inside the bank. What we are interested in are the cameras in front of the banks, especially in front of their ATMs, for security,” he added.
The mayor likewise want all communities to install CCTVs and make sure they are working.Perla Lena/PNA
