An estimated 700 cycling enthusiasts, along with city government employees and officials, gathered at the Garden Atrium of Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo Business Park.

The large turnout highlighted the community’s strong support for the city’s cycling initiatives.

Participants took part in a ceremonial ride, setting a vibrant tone for the festival. The ride culminated in an official opening program that marked the beginning of the event.

The opening ceremonies were led by Assistant Festival Director and Executive Assistant Jay Treñas, together with members of the Iloilo Bike Council.

Among the notable guests was Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Nicolas Torre III.

Organizers emphasized that the Bike-to-Work Day ride is more than just a ceremonial start; it underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to developing bike-friendly infrastructure.

The festival aims to encourage more Ilonggos to make bicycles part of their daily commutes, promoting a healthier lifestyle and a greener environment.

Its 12th edition promises a series of events celebrating the city’s vibrant cycling culture in the coming days.IMT

Photos by Ian Paul Cordero/IMT NEWS

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“The shortage of classrooms is not a new problem, and it is not isolated to Western Visayas. It is a nationwide concern,” said DepEd-6 Regional Public Affairs Officer Hernani Escullar Jr.

“This data—around 5,000 needed classrooms across the region—does not and will not hamper the education of our children,” he further said.

Escullar praised school heads across the region for utilizing local resources and executing flexible space-management strategies.

“Our school principals are highly resourceful. They make the necessary on-site adjustments. If there are vacant conference rooms, open-air stages, or other underutilized spaces on campus, they convert them into temporary learning areas,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to guarantee that every child has a physical space to study, regardless of the room’s original designation,” Escullar added.

In highly congested urban districts where physical spaces are entirely depleted, schools are turning to administrative solutions such as “multi-session” schedules, splitting larger enrollments into morning and afternoon shifts to maximize the use of a single classroom.

Addressing the long-term solution to the shortage, Escullar clarified that while the regional office monitors and reports facility gaps, the construction of new school buildings relies on a broader collaborative framework.

The DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) alongside various Local Government Units (LGUs) to expedite classroom construction.

“Under this MOA, the LGUs are the ones who will actively build the classrooms,” Escullar explained.

“Our role at DepEd is to supply the technical standards, ensuring that all newly constructed facilities strictly abide by the official dimensions and safety designs set by the department.”IMT

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In a major step toward modernizing the country’s disaster and crisis management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have officially launched a unified 911 satellite command center in Leganes, Iloilo.

The ceremonial launching was led by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and BFP Director Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Niel Ang Kwan Tiu, alongside local government officials.

The initiative is part of the Modernized and Integrated Philippine Emergency Report Handling and Response System. It establishes a centralized, toll-free, and 24/7 emergency hotline that connects callers directly to police, fire, medical, and rescue services.

Nartatez said the expansion of the localized emergency system directly aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen national crisis management and bring emergency services closer to regional communities.

One of the most significant upgrades introduced with the new satellite centers is localized language support.

Recognizing the diversity of the Philippines’ regions, the Unified 911 Satellite Command Center is equipped to handle emergencies in multiple local dialects, including Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Ilocano, Ibanag, and Waray.

The feature ensures that local residents can report emergencies quickly and clearly without language barriers slowing down dispatchers.

Nartatez emphasized that improving response times requires strategic investments in equipment and mobility rather than simply hiring more personnel.

“While we aim for a response time of just one minute, what matters most is that the response actually happens,” he said.

“Response time is meaningless if it takes more than an hour, or if there is no response at all.”

To address this, the PNP is actively rolling out a fleet of motorcycles, patrol vehicles, body-worn cameras, and 3-in-1 push-to-talk radios to boost officer mobility and safety.

“The most important thing is rapid response, and we are continuously studying how to improve this. Our police and our fellow responders in the BFP must be fully equipped and ready to respond,” Nartatez said.

The expansion of the 911 network relies heavily on cellular and internet connectivity.

Acknowledging that signal dead zones still exist in some rural areas, Nartatez committed to helping telecommunication companies establish towers and satellite offices.

The PNP has pledged to secure telco workers from security threats posed by local and communist insurgent groups, while also assisting in cutting through bureaucratic red tape at the barangay and municipal levels to expedite tower construction.

In Iloilo City, local leaders are already taking steps to secure reliable networks.

Mayor Raisa Treñas shared that the city is actively collaborating with major telco providers—including PLDT, Globe, and Converge—to build network redundancy and ensure robust coverage.

She noted that Globe is currently deploying 5G connectivity across the city, while Converge is working to upgrade its local infrastructure to ensure there are no interruptions in communication.IMT

Photos by Ian Paul Cordero/IMT NEWS

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A 14-year-old girl, identified as the granddaughter of the primary target, was also rescued during the operation Barangay Balanti-an and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

The primary target was identified as 46-year-old alias “Dodoy” of Estancia, Iloilo, who authorities classified as a high-value individual (HVI).

Also arrested were Dodoy’s live-in partner, alias “Juv,” 25, of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and alias “Berna,” 18, of Carles, Iloilo. The two are classified as street-level drug suspects .

Operatives confiscated approximately 493 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P3,352,400.

Police also recovered a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a magazine loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, and the buy-bust money.

The operation was the culmination of more than a month of surveillance and case build-up. It was carried out by joint forces from the Balasan Municipal Police Station, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Carles Special Boat Crew, and the Maritime Group’s Special Operations Unit 4.

Investigators revealed that Dodoy is a repeat offender who was previously arrested on drug charges in March 2015. He served his sentence and was released from prison in 2025.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), commended the operating units for the successful bust, noting that the seizure prevented a massive quantity of dangerous substances from hitting regional communities.

“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in Western Visayas,” he said in a statement.IMT

The post P3.3-M ‘shabu’ seized in Balasan drug sting first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

With the school year set to begin on June 8, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has officially declared itself “mission-ready” for Oplan Balik Eskwela 2026, launching its comprehensive security operations.

The initiative aims to guarantee the safety of students, educators, parents, and school staff across the city.

Under the direction of ICPO Director Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, the ICPO has initiated widespread mobilization of personnel to key locations.

Officers are being deployed not just to schools, but also to major thoroughfares, transport terminals, and other high-traffic areas.

The comprehensive security strategy includes increased police visibility through patrols, active traffic management, and targeted anti-criminality operations.

“We are mission-ready to ensure that our students can return to school safely and peacefully,” Parilla said.

“Through heightened police presence and strong collaboration with our stakeholders, we aim to make the opening of classes secure, orderly, and conducive to learning,” he added.

A crucial component of Oplan Balik Eskwela is the strategic stationing of police in designated school zones.

The assigned officers will assist students with crossing streets, manage traffic flow to prevent congestion, and be on hand to respond rapidly to any incidents.

The ICPO is also prioritizing the prevention of specific crimes that can impact the school environment.

Monitoring has been intensified to deter theft, bullying, illegal drug activities, and other threats to public safety.

The effort involves close coordination with school administrators, barangay officials, force multipliers, and other partner agencies.

The ICPO is urging the public to cooperate by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities immediately.

Reports can be made to the nearest police station, by dialing 911, or by contacting the ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 or 335-0299.

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Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias, “Alvin,” 38, the village chief of Barangay of Maragubdub.

Police investigation revealed that Alvin was a previous drug surrenderee and had been under close surveillance for nearly a month leading up to his arrest.

During the operation, operatives recovered three plastic sachets and one knot-tied plastic pack containing 115 grams of suspected shabu, buy-bust money and other non-drug items used as evidence.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The successful sting was a joint effort by operatives from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit (PNP DEG–SOU-6), Antique Police Provincial Office, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU-6), and the San Remigio Municipal Police Station.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional rirector of Police Regional Office (PRO-6), lauded the units involved and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs.

“This operation sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Regardless of position or status in the community, those who engage in illegal drug activities will be held accountable,” he said.

“We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs, especially against High-Value Individuals, to protect our communities from the harm brought by this menace,” Tuaño assured.IMT

The post Punong barangay nabbed in drug bust first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The anti-illegal drug sweep, conducted by the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) from 6:00 a.m.on May 27 to 5:59 a.m. on May 28,  yielded a total standard drug price (SDP) of P1,455,200.00.

Among the operations, the largest drug hauls were recorded in Iloilo City, Pavia in Iloilo province, and San Jose in Antique, resulting in the arrest of several high-value targets.

In Iloilo City, operatives of the Iloilo City Police Station 2 conducted a buy-bust operation in Zone 3, Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte, La Paz.

The sting resulted in the arrest of 49-year-old alias “Jingle,” classified as a high-value individual (HVI), and 31-year-old alias “Kim,” identified as a street-level individual (SLI).

Officers seized about 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P408,000.00.

In Pavia, local police arrested 39-year-old alias “Ry,” another HVI residing in Barangay Ungka 1.

Operatives recovered approximately 65 grams of suspected shabu valued at P442,000.00 during the operation.

Another major arrest took place in San Jose, Antique, where municipal police operatives apprehended alias “Toto,” 47, a resident of Barangay Inabasan.

The suspect, who is also listed as an HVI, was caught during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 1, San Jose.

Authorities recovered 65 grams of suspected shabu worth P442,000.00 from his possession.

The eight suspects are currently in police custody and will face formal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO-6, commended the operating units for their successive victories and reiterated the regional office’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region.

“These significant drug recoveries are the result of the relentless efforts of our personnel to address the drug menace in the region,” he said.

“Rest assured that PRO-6 will continue to conduct intensified anti-drug operations to help make Western Visayas a drug-free region,” the region’s top cop added.

Tuaño also emphasized the crucial role of the community in sustaining these efforts, appealing to local residents to cooperate closely with law enforcement.

“We appeal to the public to continue supporting our efforts to keep the region safe and secure. The police force cannot do it alone,” he added.IMT

The post P1.45-M ‘shabu’ seized, 8 arrested in 24-hour WV ops first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, in an interview on Monday, May 25, said that the regional command is actively preparing to serve the warrant for the arrest of Dela Rosa, who has been classified as “armed and dangerous.”

According to the region’s top cop, the execution of the warrant is no longer restricted to specialized national units.

“It is not just the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) that is tasked with implementing this warrant,” Tuaño said, echoing the national headquarters’ stance.

“Every single police unit and station across the country has been commanded to execute the arrest,” he added.

To ensure the order is carried out effectively, Tuaño said he has already cascaded strict directives to all municipal and provincial police stations throughout Western Visayas to remain vigilant and immediately execute the ICC warrant should the senator be spotted within their jurisdictions.

While the regional command maintains a “normal” security status, Tuaño assured the public that local intelligence and police alertness have been elevated to ensure seamless coordination with national tracker teams.

The hunt for Dela Rosa intensified after the Supreme Court denied the latter’s petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the ICC warrant, which stems from the international court’s investigation into the previous administration’s bloody drug war.

Dela Rosa, who is now considered a “fugitive from justice,” escaped from the Senate building on May 14 after the shooting incident involving Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) personnel and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents.IMT

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Based on data from the PRO-6, traffic code infractions topped the list of offenses with 4,431 cases.

Drinking or smoking in public places came in second with 2,596, followed by curfew violations involving minors (803 cases), and roaming the streets shirtless (502).

Police offices also addressed various other infractions, including illegal structures obstructing road clearing operations, videoke operations exceeding allowed hours, littering, and other specific city and municipal ordinances.

The enforcement actions resulted in 3,282 violators receiving fines. The remaining 5,925 individuals were issued warnings and released, in accordance with the provisions of existing local ordinances and the discretion of the implementing authorities.

The campaign’s momentum was evident on May 22 alone, with PRO 6 recording 415 violators during simultaneous regionwide enforcement activities.

The operations were conducted by police units in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and force multipliers.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO-6, stressed that the intensified campaign serves a broader purpose beyond mere punishment.

“The enforcement of local ordinances forms part of our continuing efforts to maintain order, cleanliness, discipline, and public safety in our communities,” he said.

“This campaign is not solely about apprehensions but also about strengthening the culture of responsibility and concern for one anothe,” he further said.

Tuaño also directed all police commanders within the region to ensure that enforcement remains fair, consistent, and people-centered.

The region’s top cop also emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and maintaining proper coordination with LGUs during all operations.

“The cooperation of the public remains vital in achieving our shared goal of a safer, orderly, and more disciplined Western Visayas,” he said.

Tuaño also noted that the campaign aligns with the Philippine National Police’s commitment to “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”IMT

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Senator Risa Hontiveros, a renowned advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and healthcare reform in the Philippines, is “seriously considering” and “preparing” herself for the possibility of running for a higher position in the 2028 elections.

“Bago itong mga gulo sa Senado, seriously kinokonsider ko na at naghahanda for the possibility running for higher office,” Hontiveros said in a media interview during her visit to Guimaras on Friday, May 22.

“Ang panawagan ko, kung sino man sa amin na may ma taas na survey na magkaisa kaming lahat para sa kanya. There can be only one, para may laban, para may fight chance sa mata ng ating publiko at botante,” the Senate Deputy Minority Leader added.

While she is actively preparing for the long-term future, Hontiveros emphasized that her immediate priority remains navigating the current political landscape in the Senate.

The veteran lawmaker noted that recent internal changes and issues within the upper chamber of Congress require her full attention.

“Of course, as of the moment, urgent yung pagsasaayos ng aming sarili bilang Senado, so doon ako nakatutok sa ngayon,” Hontiveros said, adding that a final decision regarding her 2028 plans will likely be made toward the end of the year.

The senator also addressed the repeated statements of former vice president and incumbent Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo that she will not to run for president in 2028.

Hontiveros admitted that she initially felt disappointment but expressed respect for Robredo’s decision.

“So makatatlong beses na siya nagsabi na hindi daw siya tatakbo for national office, so I respect that, and I have to respect that. There was an earlier time na nalungkot ako about that,” Hontiveros said.

However, the senator viewed Robredo’s decision as a passing of the torch.

“For the longest time, siya’y isa sa mga lider na naging inspirasyon sa akin, sa amin, and I appreciate her trust and confidence in us. Para sa akin, ibig sabihin nito, mas marami pa sa amin ang pwedeng mamuno, and I think we can live up to that trust and confidence,” Hontiveros said.IMT

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