1 month ago
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ILOILO CITY — Mayor Jerry Treñas of this city has declared war against "basag-kotse" offenders or thieves shattering windshields to break into vehicles parked in dimly lit or secluded spots.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported that six basag-kotse cases were recorded on Jan. 30 and 31 in Mandurriao, Lapaz and Jaro.
One incident was recorded in Guzman Jesena, Mandurriao on Jan. 30, where thieves took P14,000 in cash along with the car owner's identification and bank cards.
On Jan. 31, five incidents were documented in the city.
One incident was reported in Tabucan, Mandurriao where assorted cards, P2,000, and an iPad were stolen but were later recovered in a hot pursuit operation by the police.
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One incident was also recorded in Nabitasan, La Paz and three were logged in Mandurriao and Jaro, but no stolen items were reported.
"I am very concerned about certain issues affecting our security. I am very concerned about these basag-kotse issues happening in the outskirts and even here in the Sunburst Park and Freedom Grandstand," Treñas said in a press conference on Monday.
Treñas said he had already given instructions to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), Traffic and Transportation Management Office, Public Order and Safety Management Office, and barangay officials that he would give a reward to officials for the arrest of the perpetrators.
The city mayor, however, refused to disclose the amount of the cash reward.
He also instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to procure additional CCTV cameras for key areas, especially along the esplanades.
"We have some funds for more CCTV cameras. We will add cameras, especially in the Esplanade," he added.
Treñas recalled that he met with local bank managers last week to discuss enhancing security measures in their establishments, particularly in parking areas, where some crimes have been reported.
He urged banks to install high-quality CCTV cameras that can be integrated into the city's fiber optic network and linked directly to the CDRRMO's operations center at Gaisano Capital Iloilo City Center Mall.
Treñas has also called on the barangay officials to upgrade their surveillance systems, replace outdated CCTV units, and invest in more advanced security cameras to help combat street crimes.
"I think we should not be complacent even though Iloilo City has been declared one of the safest cities in Asia. We all know that at any time, syndicates can come in," he said.
The ICPO, in a statement, said it has intensified its campaign to deter illegal activities such as snatching, pickpocketing, theft, hold-ups, and the basag-kotse incidents.
ICPO director Col. Kim Legada has directed all police units to heighten police visibility, conduct aggressive anti-criminality operations, and ensure a swift response to crime incidents.
"Our personnel have been mobilized to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure the immediate arrest of criminals victimizing innocent individuals," he added.
