The Iloilo City Government is set to release P1.6 million in financial assistance to eight local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao that were severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani province on June 8.

Under the assistance package endorsed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), each beneficiary LGU will receive P200,000 in cash aid to help support ongoing relief operations and recovery initiatives in communities impacted by the disaster.

The assistance is part of the city’s efforts to extend support to areas facing major calamities and humanitarian challenges.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city government recognizes the urgent needs of affected communities and remains committed to extending assistance to fellow Filipinos during times of crisis.

She noted that providing aid to disaster-stricken areas reflects the city’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility in responding to emergencies across the country.

To facilitate the distribution of assistance, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) coordinated with concerned agencies and local authorities to identify areas requiring immediate support and ensure that resources are directed to the most affected communities.

The recipient LGUs include General Santos City; the municipalities of Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, and Malapatan in Sarangani province; and the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, and Malita in Davao Occidental. All eight LGUs have placed their respective areas under a state of calamity following the earthquake.

Government reports showed that the earthquake affected 167 barangays and more than 301,000 families, equivalent to around 1.2 million individuals across the region. General Santos City, Jose Abad Santos, and Malita were among the hardest-hit areas, each recording 26 affected barangays and sustaining significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and public facilities.

The financial assistance from the city government is expected to augment local relief and rehabilitation efforts as affected communities continue to recover from the effects of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Mindanao in recent years. Pia E. Maleriado, WVSU-COC intern/IMT

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The initiative comes after the completion of the province’s first Local Government Unit-led Narcotics Detection Dog and Handlers Course in the Visayas, a six-month specialized training program funded by the provincial government.

The program trained 26 K9 dogs acquired by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and various municipalities, along with 26 police personnel who underwent intensive instruction in narcotics detection, canine handling, and veterinary care.

The 180-day training began on Jan. 15 and will conclude on July 6. However, four of the 26 dogs did not complete the course after failing to meet the required standards.

Conducted in accordance with national training standards, the course was facilitated by IPPO-trained K9 handlers with technical support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The provincial government allocated PHP3.8 million for the program, which Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. described as a strategic investment in strengthening border security and curbing the entry of illegal drugs into Iloilo.

The trained K9 units will be deployed at the province’s major ports and seaports, where they will serve as an alternative screening measure in the absence of X-ray inspection systems.

“Since we cannot have X-ray inspection in ports, this is what we are trying to do,” Defensor said.

The governor said the K9 program forms part of the province’s broader strategy to prevent illegal drugs from reaching local communities through tighter border control and enhanced law enforcement capabilities.

The initiative is anchored on Executive Order No. 111, which implements the provincial government’s 4KForMoRProGRes framework aimed at institutionalizing community action for peace, public order, and national development.

It also complements Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-314, which mandates strengthened security measures and stricter border controls in ports, coastal barangays, and other potential entry points for illegal drugs.IMT

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The complaints being prepared include illegal possession of firearms, serious illegal detention, attempted murder, robbery, destruction of property, trespassing, indiscriminate firing, alarm and scandal, grave threats, and malicious mischief.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), confirmed in a radio interview that Sarrosa had been arrested and is currently detained at the Carles Municipal Police Station.

Tuaño said he ordered Sarrosa’s immediate arrest after watching a video circulating online that allegedly showed him carrying a long firearm while threatening and shouting at his siblings.

The regional director said a subsequent verification of police records revealed that firearms registered under Sarrosa had expired licenses.

“I immediately instructed the chief of the Carles Municipal Police Station to proceed to Sicogon Island and arrest him,” Tuaño said.

According to Tuaño, Sarrosa initially attempted to negotiate with responding police officers and allegedly threatened to inflict harm on himself. However, police proceeded with the arrest, citing concerns that he was armed and accompanied by four bodyguards.

The PRO-6 chief also disclosed that authorities received reports that Sarrosa’s group allegedly prevented people from leaving Huni Hotel on Sicogon Island. Police later rescued 11 individuals from the area.

Investigators are currently gathering sworn statements from witnesses and other parties involved to support the filing of criminal complaints.

Authorities said the confrontation reportedly stemmed from tensions following the permanent closure of all facilities operated by the Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC) amid the continuing dispute over land ownership on the island.

Meanwhile, Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas expressed deep concern over the reported incident, saying allegations involving firearms, threats, and acts that endangered residents, workers, and visitors have no place in a peaceful community if proven true.

She commended the Philippine National Police, led by PRO-6 Regional Director Tuaño, the Mobile Police Force, the Carles Municipal Police Station, and municipal and barangay officials for their swift response that prevented the situation from escalating.

At the same time, Tupas emphasized that all parties are entitled to due process and that the facts must be established through a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation, with any criminal liability to be determined by the courts.

The lawmaker also called on all parties involved in the long-running property dispute on Sicogon Island to pursue legal and peaceful means in asserting their rights.

“Sicogon Island is one of the premier tourism destinations of the Fifth District of Iloilo. It is important that peace and order be maintained so that residents, investors, workers, and tourists will continue to have confidence in the island as a safe and welcoming destination,” Tupas said.

She added that her office will continue to support initiatives that strengthen peace and order, protect the rights of constituents, and promote a secure environment conducive to tourism, investment, and sustainable development in Carles and throughout the Fifth District.IMT

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The suspect, identified only as alias “Jelyn,” a self-employed resident of the town, was apprehended by authorities at around 3:15 p.m.

According to law enforcement reports, the joint operation yielded 30,098 packs of assorted contraband cigarettes. The bulk of the seized packs came from Barangay Zone I (28,650), while the rest from Barangay Lumbia (1,448)

The BIR and PRO-6 estimated the total value of the seized items at  P25,072,868.17, including computed tax penalties.

The raid was executed by virtue of a search warrant issued by the Executive Judge of Branch 71, 6th Judicial Region, alongside revenue and mission orders issued by the Regional Director of BIR Revenue Region No. 11.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is facing charges for violating Section 263 of Republic Act No. 11467, in relation to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. The law penalizes the unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without proper payment.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, PRO-6 acting regional director, commended the operating teams and partner agencies for the successful crackdown, emphasizing the severe economic consequences of smuggling.

“This accomplishment reflects the strength of intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement action against illegal trade,” he said.

“Illicit cigarettes deprive the government of lawful revenues, undermine legitimate businesses, and expose the public to unregulated products,” Tuaño added.

The region’s top cop also appealed to local communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving the manufacturing, transport, storage, or distribution of contraband.

“Public cooperation remains vital in our campaign against unlawful activities. Through timely information and strong partnership, we can better protect our economy, safeguard public welfare, and maintain a Safer Western Visayas,” Tuaño said.IMT

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In its latest statement, the city government said the finding stemmed from an internal investigation launched after public concerns were raised over the responders’ handling of the incident.

According to official records, the city’s Dispatch Officer received the emergency call at 3:11 a.m., dispatched a response team at 3:13 a.m., and the team arrived at the scene at 3:21 a.m.

Upon arrival, ICER personnel immediately assessed the patient’s condition and confirmed the absence of vital signs. The patient had no pulse, was not breathing, had discoloration on the right calf, and exhibited rigor mortis in both the hands and feet.

The city described the incident as an “unusual circumstance” because it occurred before dawn in a poorly lit area with no direct witnesses, limited initial information from the dispatcher, and difficult road access. The emergency call only reported that a person had been found inside a tricycle.

While conducting their assessment, responders also immediately notified the barangay tanod and the local police station in accordance with established protocols.

When the victim’s family arrived at the scene, they were informed of his condition and subsequently decided to contact a funeral home.

Earlier, the Iloilo City Government announced the conduct of an internal investigation to determine whether emergency response protocols had been properly observed and to identify areas for review and improvement. The city also said that appropriate corrective measures would be implemented should any deficiencies in the protocols be identified.

The city government extended its sympathies to the victim’s family and assured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of emergency medical services.

Despite the investigation’s findings that responders complied with existing protocols, the Iloilo City Government said it will continue reviewing its emergency response procedures and operations to further strengthen the delivery of emergency services.IMT

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The victim, identified only as alias “Darren,” landed on the rocks below. He sustained a leg fracture and a forehead injury.

The student, a resident of Barangay Balabag, Sta. Barbara, was immediately rescued by the Pavia Emergency Response Team (PAVERS).

An initial investigation showed that the victim wanted to kill himself by jumping of the bridge.

The vicitm was brought to West Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City for treatment.IMT

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From May 22 to June 21 this year, PRO-6 units launched 138 anti-illegal drug operations, which resulted in the apprehension of 55 high-value Individuals (HVIs) and 118 street-level individuals (SLIs).

Authorities also confiscated 112.46 grams of marijuana during the period.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) logged the highest volume of drug seizures at 5,085 grams from 60 suspects.

The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU-6) followed closely, netting 4,000 grams of shabu and apprehending 13 individuals.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) also reported significant gains, seizing 1,691 grams of illegal drugs and arresting 66 suspects.

Other police units across the region contributed to the sustained operations.

Charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were filed against the arrested suspects.

The PRO-6 attributed the successful campaign to enhanced intelligence gathering, rigorous surveillance, solid case build-up, close collaboration with partner agencies, and crucial tips from community informants.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO-6, praised the dedication and relentless efforts of the operating units in disrupting local drug networks.

“PRO-6 will not allow illegal drugs to destroy our communities. We will continue to pursue drug personalities, dismantle their networks, and sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect the people of Western Visayas,” he assured.IMT

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As School Year 2026-2027 officially opened, the city government launched the distribution of free school supplies under the ISKUL (Initiative to Share Kits that Uplift Learners) Program, benefiting more than 75,000 learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School in all public schools across the city.

But according to Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the city’s commitment to education extends far beyond learning kits.
This year, 51 out of Iloilo City’s 66 public schools will benefit from various development projects funded through the Special Education Fund (SEF), addressing priority needs identified by school administrators themselves. The projects include classroom construction, repairs, facility improvements, and other interventions aimed at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.

Mayor Treñas emphasized that these projects are made possible through the proper utilization of local revenues, particularly the SEF, which receives a portion of Real Property Tax (RPT) collections.

The mayor said the city government remains committed to ensuring that no school is left behind.

“As promised, no school in Iloilo City will be neglected. We listened to our principals and allowed them to identify the projects that would have the greatest impact on their learners and school communities,” Mayor Treñas said.

Looking ahead, Iloilo City is also exploring ways to expand educational assistance. Mayor Treñas revealed that the city government is studying the possibility of providing free school bags to public school learners beginning next school year.

Moreover, Iloilo City continues to strengthen access to learning through community-based educational facilities. The city has established four Mobile Outdoor Libraries in Plaza Libertad, Molo, Jaro, and Mandurriao, in partnership with the private sector, as well as major learning hubs such as the Dr. Graciano López Jaena Learning Resource Center and Museum, the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña District Library, and the Justice Delfin Jaranilla Library. The city has also converted portions of seven daycare centers into reading and study facilities, with additional ECCD and Reading Centers in Calumpang and Ungka set to open soon.

The city’s support for education also extends to public school teachers, who may benefit from housing opportunities under the city’s housing programs, subject to established application and eligibility requirements.

For Mayor Treñas, these initiatives demonstrate how local revenues are translated into tangible benefits for communities.

“Every peso entrusted to the city government must create meaningful impact,” she said. “When taxpayers contribute, they deserve to see where their money goes—and in Iloilo City, it goes to better schools, better facilities, and better opportunities for our children.”

Through sustained investments in education, Iloilo City affirms that learning remains one of the strongest foundations of a progressive, inclusive, and future-ready city.IMT

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The independent “Boses ng Bayan” Party-List Governance Assessment ranked Uswag Ilonggo within the survey’s third governance tier, posting an Index of Governance (IOG) score of 68.4 percent, placing it alongside other highly rated party-list organizations nationwide.

The survey showed that Uswag Ilonggo’s rating falls within the statistical margin of error with fellow third-tier performers, underscoring its strong standing among Filipino voters and reflecting favorable assessments of its public service, legislative initiatives, and responsiveness to constituents.

For Ang, the recognition serves as a validation of the party-list group’s continuing efforts to advance programs and policies that benefit Ilonggos while contributing to national development.

The RPMD assessment measured public trust and performance ratings among party-list organizations, combining both indicators into a single Index of Governance score. According to the survey, voters increasingly value organizations that maintain visibility, accessibility, and consistent engagement with their sectors.

Uswag Ilonggo’s strong performance places it among the country’s most recognized and positively viewed party-list groups, highlighting the growing influence of regional representation in national policymaking.

The survey was conducted from April 1 to 8, 2026, among 5,000 randomly selected registered voters nationwide using proportional stratified sampling. It carried a margin of error of ±1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

Political analyst Dr. Paul Martinez, executive director of RPMD Foundation Inc., noted that voters are increasingly rewarding organizations that demonstrate effective representation, responsiveness, and measurable results both inside and outside Congress.

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