Iloilo City’s new police chief to deploy more motorcycle-riding cops

The new director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will deploy more motorcycle-riding cops to deter crimes involving suspects riding on motorcycles.

In an interview after a turnover of command ceremony at the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) headquarters on Monday Feb. 22, Police Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos said one of the ICPO’s top priorities under his leadership is the crackdown against riding-in-tandem criminals.

Garbanzos said riding-in-tandem killings have been rampant in the city since 2016 and many of them remained unresolved.

Those who will be designated as motorcycle-riding cops, according to the newly-installed ICPO chief, will undergo training.

Garbanzons said he would also focus on strengthening the capacity of police stations in the city to resolve cases.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed the appointment of Garbanzons as city’s new police chief.

“I am pleased to have him, an Ilonggo, who will take the lead in safeguarding our constituents. I knew him when he was a lieutenant up until now, and he has proven to be a very competent officer,” he said.

“We have so many plans for the improvement of our police force such as providing an area that will place all their impounded vehicles. We will work closely together to ensure that everyone is protected,” the mayor added.