The simultaneous drug testing operations were carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-6) together with the Land Transportation Office (LTO-6) under Oplan Harabas.

Of the six (one jeepney driver and five tricycle drivers), five were found to have used shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride, while one tested positive for using marijuana.

“[They] will undergo confirmatory testing, with their licenses immediately confiscated by LTO,” PDEA-6 said in a statement.

A total of 822 drivers and conductors in Aklan (Kalibo Citi Mall Terminal), Antique (Culasi Ceres Terminal, Tibiao TODA Terminal and San Jose Transport Terminal), Capiz (Pueblo de Panay Integrated Terminal Roxas City), and Iloilo (Sara Public Transport Terminal were screened to “ensure a safe and drug-free travel this Holy Week.”

Oplan Harabas is part of PDEA’s “continuing campaign to prevent drug-related road incidents and protect the riding public.” IMT

The post 6 drivers test positive for illegal drug use in Holy Week drive first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

“This global acknowledgment affirms that our local efforts are contributing to a much bigger movement toward sustainability, climate action, and responsible urban development,” City Mayor Raisa Treñas said in a statement.

She noted the local government’s Sustainable and Inclusive Resource Circularity (SIRCOL) has been seeing concrete and measurable results, including the diversion of 2,290 metric tons of waste from the landfill, P16.3 million generated from recyclable waste recovery and plastic credits, 2,748 metric tons or carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions were avoided, and 360 green livelihood opportunities were created.

The awareness programs reached 10,000 individuals and strongly collaborated with 12 key partners, and established critical facilities and tools.

Treñas said the city government will further expand efforts through large-scale awareness campaigns and cross-sectoral initiatives that will engage communities, businesses, institutions, and all stakeholders across Iloilo City.

“This is not a single, isolated program – it is a unified, city-wide movement that integrates multiple sustainability goals. Through this, we are positioning Iloilo City as a champion of a resilient, inclusive, innovative, and environmentally sustainable urban ecosystem,” she said.

In a separate interview, General Services Office head Neil Ravena said considering the population of a highly urbanized city, one could not imagine the possibility of achieving zero waste.

“However, we emphasized here that we have recycling initiatives and waste diversion techniques for reduced disposal at the sanitary landfill. But the impact of our waste-to-energy or the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility will give us a diversion target of up to 90 percent. This will give us a picture of a zero-waste, highly-urbanized city,” he said.

Ravena said they also emphasized the role of the waste pickers association – organized by the city government to help in waste diversion – in their documentation that was submitted to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) in September 2025.

“We will be monitored by the UNEP in some of our programs, and we can now access some of the United Nations funding institutions that will help us expedite all the projects and waste diversion initiative,” he said.PNA

The post UN recognition affirms Iloilo City’s efforts in waste management first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

As the observance of Semana Santa (Holy Week) begins, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has rolled out massive security preparations, deploying 450 police personnel to ensure the safety of residents and travelers throughout the city.

The deployment falls under the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) LigtasSUMVAC 2026, a comprehensive, nationwide security operation designed to maintain public safety during the summer vacation period spanning from March 29 to May 31.

ICPO officer-in-charge Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla confirmed that the 450-strong force, which is being supplemented by covert and other operational units, is now fully positioned.

He emphasized that proactive security plans are crucial given the expected heavy influx of travelers flocking to the city, tourist destinations, and places of worship for Semana Santa.

“Preparedness is key,” Parilla stressed, noting that the ICPO’s top priority is the safety and security of the general public.

“These actions form part of the ICPO’s efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and peaceful environment during major holidays and events,” he said.

To manage the anticipated surge in vehicular and human traffic, the ICPO is coordinating closely with the Iloilo City Transportation and Traffic Management Unit (CTTMU), the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Joint forces are tasked with deploying road safety personnel along major thoroughfares and conducting rigorous safety inspections at bus terminals.

Furthermore, city police stations have been directed to intensify mobile patrol operations to maintain maximum police visibility in transport terminals and key public convergence areas.

To provide immediate response and on-the-ground assistance, Police Assistance Desks (PADs) are being established at churches, seaports, bus terminals, and other strategic locations across the city.

While the police force is on high alert, authorities are also urging the public to do their part in ensuring a safe holiday.

The ICPO reminded residents and tourists alike to remain vigilant, secure their personal belongings, and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police officer.

Emergencies and security concerns can be reported immediately by dialing 911 or by contacting the ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 or 335-0299.

“Your ICPO is ready to ensure your safety and security, which will always be our top priority,” Parilla assured the public.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as we work together to maintain peace, order, and safety in Iloilo City,” he added.IMT

The post 450 cops deployed to secure Semana Santa, summer break in Iloilo City first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The regular fare for boats operating between Guimaras, and Iloilo City is set to increase starting next month.

The Guimaras Island Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (GITMPC) announced a P10 increase for a 15-minute boat ride to and from Jordan.

Under the new fare matrix, approved by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA-6), passengers will be charged P40 (daytime) and P50 (from 8 p.m. onwards) effective April 7, 2026.

Students, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens will pay discounted fares of P32 (daytime) and P40 (from 8 p.m. onwards).

GITMPC, along with two other passenger boat operators, cited the rising cost of petroleum products as the primary reason for the fare adjustments.

“As fuel costs significantly rise, maintaining safe, reliable, and continuous service has become more challenging,” the cooperative stated in a public notice.

On Tuesday, March 24, Bamosa Marine Transport Corporation implemented the adjustments for fiber boats plying the Iloilo–Buenavista route. IMT

The post Guimaras-Iloilo boat fare to go up by P10 next month first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Provincial Community Defense Cluster, led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., virtually convened mayors and vice mayors of local government units (LGUs) on Friday, March 27, where they tackled Section 7 of Executive Order (EO) 110, declaring the state of national energy emergency issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, March 24.

“The LGUs should look for resources or allocate resources to mitigate the disruption in the fuel price,” Defensor said in a media interview, adding that the President also allows provincial and local government units to provide assistance to the extent they can afford.

Defensor, however, said that the provision of assistance should be clear and synchronized with that of the national government to maximize resources.

He said one way for local governments to be able to provide bigger assistance is through the QRF, which, on the part of the province, is P82 million.

“We discussed this with our municipalities. We need to have a declaration of a state of calamity for the province. We are positioning to request a declaration from our Sanggunian (provincial board),” Defensor said.

Based on the guidelines of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to be able to declare a state of calamity, 15 percent of the population is affected, or 30 percent of the economic sector, livelihood, or agriculture is affected.

Another requisite is when two or more LGUs declare a state of calamity.

During the virtual meeting, the Provincial Community Defense Cluster also asked for updates from the Department of Energy on the current oil supply conditions and on identifying key challenges affecting the region.

Defensor said that based on the DOE update, as of March 20, inventory levels were recorded at 53.14 days for gasoline, 45.82 days for diesel, 61.49 days for fuel oil, and 23.51 days for liquefied petroleum gas.PNA

The post Iloilo set to declare state of calamity to access QRF amid oil shocks first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Iloilo City has been identified as one of 14 pilot areas in Western Visayas for the subsidy rollout, signaling the government’s targeted response to cushion the impact on vulnerable transport workers.

Mayor Raisa Treñas confirmed the development, noting that the city government is working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to fast-track documentation and ensure that qualified drivers receive the aid. Distribution is scheduled on April 8, 2026.

Even ahead of the national assistance, the city has already begun deploying its own support measures. A locally funded fuel subsidy program is currently underway, with 1,239 fuel subsidy coupons distributed as of March 26—an interim response to the daily financial strain faced by drivers.

The dual-track approach—local subsidies backed by incoming national aid—reflects an urgent effort to stabilize the transport sector, where earnings are increasingly squeezed by volatile fuel prices.

For many drivers, the assistance is more than financial relief; it is a buffer against uncertainty, as global developments continue to ripple down to everyday livelihoods on Iloilo’s roads.IMT

The post Iloilo tricycle drivers to receive P5K aid as fuel costs surge first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. led the Provincial Community Defense Cluster meeting on Friday, March 27, to review the region’s fuel situation.

The session, held in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PGENRO), brought together key officials including Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco, Jr., Rey Victor Garin, Cornelio R. Salinas of the PDRRMO, and Dr. Alfonso Baldonado III.

Energy updates were presented by Engr. Jose Rey Maleza of the Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office (DOE FVO), showing that as of March 20, inventory levels remain above mandated requirements: 53.14 days for gasoline, 45.82 days for diesel, 61.49 days for fuel oil, and 23.51 days for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Despite the ample supply, the meeting highlighted challenges such as the need to enhance energy efficiency, prioritize fuel for critical sectors, and address the economic impact of rising prices.

The DOE also proposed strategies to sustain supply security while mitigating financial pressures on consumers and businesses.

Defensor stressed that continuous inter-agency coordination is vital to maintain uninterrupted fuel availability while promoting responsible energy use throughout Western Visayas.

The briefing signaled both confidence in supply stability and caution for prudent fuel management as global uncertainties continue to ripple through the local economy.IMT

The post Western Visayas fuel supply ‘stable’ first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Based on data from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), there were 703 index crimes logged last year,  lower by 17.49 percent compared to 2024’s 852 cases.

Index crimes, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), refer to crimes that are serious in nature, including murder, homicide, robbery, theft, rape, physical injury, and carnapping.

Among the focus crimes, theft and physical injury had the sharpest decline, dropping by 71 and 44 cases, respectively.

Theft cases decreased to 157 in 2025 from 228 in 2024, while physical injury cases reduced to 142 from 186.

Meanwhile, non-index crimes registered a 9.96 percent decline, from 2,672 cases in 2024 to 2,406 last year.

Non-index crimes are illegal acts that violate special laws or local ordinances.

The downward trend, according to the provincial government, “highlights the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the community in maintaining peace and order throughout the [province].”IMT

The post Iloilo logs lower crime incidents first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on Wednesday, March 25, a resolution requesting Malacañang to recall its order deferring the implementation of PUV fare adjustments.

The fare hikes, approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), were supposed to take effect last week.

The SP also approved another resolution requesting the LTFRB  to adopt a tiered fare matrix for automatic fare increases linked to changes in the international market.

The two resolutions, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, aim to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on Ilonggos PUV drivers and operators.

“The global stage is on fire. The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has sent oil prices skyrocketing to levels we can no longer sustain,” said Duron.

“In our gas stations here in Iloilo City, the numbers climb daily, but the earnings of our drivers continue to plummet,” he added.

The SP will send copies of the approved resolutions to Malacañang.IMT

The post Iloilo City Council urges Malacañang to lift suspension of public transport fare hikes first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

In a media conference on Wednesday, March 25, Neva Jane Alfaras, LTFRB-6 Administrative Officer V, said there are around 8,000 to 10,000 beneficiaries in the region based on their initial data.

She added that there is a separate subsidy for cooperative operators from the drivers.

For modern public utility jeepneys, the operator will receive P10,000 per unit and P1,500 for the driver.

The operators of modern utility vehicle express services will receive P10,000 per unit and the driver will have P5,000.

The operator of traditional pubic utility jeepneys will get P5,000 per unit and P1,500 for the driver.

The operator and driver of a traditional utility vehicle express will get P5,000 each.

Public utility buses will be granted P10,000 each per unit and P5,000 for the driver. The mini-bus operator will have P9,000 for the operator and P5,000 for the driver.

Meanwhile, school transport services will get P5,000 for the operator and the driver; transport network service vehicles will get 1,500 for the operator; while taxis will have P2,000 for the operator and P5,000 for drivers.

Salvador Altura, consultant for the Land Transportation Office (LTO-6), said they are validating whether the licenses submitted by drivers and operators are professional licenses, otherwise, they will be subjected to disciplinary action and will not qualify for the assistance.

“The fuel subsidy is intended for fuel, but there are other modes of transport that are being operated by cooperatives and corporations. So, this fuel subsidy will go to cooperatives and corporations, not to the drivers. Only individual drivers, lawfully driving a public land transport, will receive the fuel subsidy,” Altura explained.

On the other hand, the LTO will provide 1,000 gift packs to identified drivers during the high visibility, high impact inspection and service caravan on March 26 to 27.

LTO-6 chief Transportation Regulation Officer Jose Degollado Jr. said they will distribute 400 gift packs at the Vallacar Transit terminal on Thursday and the remaining 600 packs in Mohon and Iloilo Terminal Group Services Inc. terminals on Friday.PNA

The post LTFRB readies list of cash subsidy beneficiaries in WV first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.