City gov’t supports new ICPO chief

MAYOR Jose Espinosa III expressed full support to the new Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief, Senior Supt. Martin Defensor.

“Ga-expect kita full partnership between the police the new ICPO chief and we assure you that we are always in constant communication with them,” said Espinosa.

Defensor assumed the ICPO helm replacing Senior Supt. Henry Biñas on Sept 12.

During the turnover of command, the new ICPO chief called for the support of local government units (LGUs) and PNP on his plans to solve crimes involving motorcycle-riding suspects, particularly murder cases.

He added that he already developed a strategy to combat the series of killings in the city.

“I do not support the killings of suspected drug personalities either in police operations or by motorcycle-riding gunmen. Cases on illegal drugs also should be prosecuted with due and legal processes,” he said.

Defensor also said that he is open to a conference with the City Council regarding the increasing incidents of murder perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during its regular session on Sept 11 passed a resolution inviting the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) for a conference/dialogue to update the City Council on the peace and order situation in Iloilo City, particularly the occurrence of index and non-index crimes.

Days before Defensor assumed office, three killings involving motorcycle-riding suspects happened in Iloilo City.

On Sept 7, two Tokhang surrenderees were shot dead by “riding-in-tandem” suspects in Molo and La Paz in a span of 10 hours.

Four days later, another drug surrenderee and a tricycle driver was also gunned down in Jaro.

Moreover, two suspected drug peddlers were also nabbed down during two separate police anti-drug operations in Molo and Jaro recently.

Meanwhile, Espinosa warned the barangay officials and the public against dealing and using drugs.

“Ang mga barangay officials and mga tawo da nga gusto pa mag drugs untatan niyo para you can spare the city of Iloilo from these killings. Ang aton gusto mangin malinong kag matawhay and ma-secure ta man ang mga bisita ta nga gakadto diri,” he noted.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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