Closed establishments included Charbert Computer Shop, Jays Computer Shop, and Charlyn Computer Shop, all located in Zone 1 of the barangay.

Nestor Canong, head of the Task Force on Morals and Values Formation (TFMVF), said authorities are intensifying monitoring operations on computer shops in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) following reports that some minors are allegedly being used in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the city.

Canong said the crackdown forms part of the city government’s broader effort to protect minors and enforce local ordinances, especially during the school break when more children are frequenting computer shops and internet cafés.

He also echoed Mayor Raisa Treñas’ call for parents to closely monitor the activities and whereabouts of their children while classes are suspended.

Under Regulation Ordinance No. 2011-676, minors are prohibited from loitering outside their homes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., unless accompanied by parents or guardians or for other valid reasons.IMT

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Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang and Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. are now fast-tracking efforts to secure funding and finalize the site for the multi-billion-peso development, with the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard and Iloilo Circumferential Road emerging as the top choices.

Both areas were identified for their accessibility and strategic location, making them ideal for a regional hub capable of drawing visitors, athletes, performers and investors from across Western Visayas and beyond.

Ang disclosed that he had already secured a P2-billion funding commitment in 2025 as initial financing for the project. The release, however, was temporarily deferred pending the final decision on the project site.

To reduce government expenses, the lawmaker said he is pursuing the possibility of acquiring donated land instead of purchasing property for the development.

The proposed mega complex is envisioned to accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 people and serve as a premier venue for regional and national sporting competitions, conventions, exhibitions, concerts and other high-impact events.

Officials believe the project could trigger major economic activity in Iloilo by attracting tourism, investments and business opportunities while generating jobs during and after construction.

At the center of the proposal is also a vision to elevate Ilonggo culture and identity.

Ang said he is exploring a partnership with Mañosa and Company Inc., the architectural firm founded by National Artist for Architecture Francisco Mañosa, to design the Regional Cultural Center component of the project.

Mañosa, renowned for designing the iconic Coconut Palace in Pasay City, is recognized for championing distinctly Filipino architecture.

Ang said the project is intended not only to build a world-class events venue, but also to create a lasting cultural landmark that would showcase the artistry, heritage and creative spirit of Ilonggos for generations to come.IMT

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Mabilog took his his oath  before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday,  May 13. His main responsibility is to oversee concerns related to public safety.

“His experience in local government will be a valuable asset in the department. Furthermore, the injustice he went through will fuel his desire to level the playing field in local governance. Not revenge but reform,” Remulla said.

Mabilog thanked Marcos for his appointment, saying: “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust and confidence given to me by President.”

As a government official, Mabilog assured that he will “work diligently, fairly, and faithfully for the best interest of the Filipino people,” and vowed to improve safety programs and strengthen governance under the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

“I will dedicate myself to strengthening public safety systems, promoting integrity and accountability in government service, and supporting responsive and effective governance,” he said.

Mabilog left the country in 2017 and sought sought asylum in the United States for fear of his life after he was repeatedly accused then president President Rodrigo Duterte as a “drug protector” without presenting evidence.

The Ilonggo politician returned to the Philippines in 2024  to clear his name from the allegations of drug ties. He attended a congressional hearing to share his “traumatic” experience.

He was granted executive clemency by Marcos last year, removing penalties arising from his administrative case, effectively restoring his political rights and enabling him to run again for public office. IMT

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Defensor said he saw no basis to reject the complaint, stressing that the vice president had not directly addressed the allegations raised against her.

“There was no sufficient explanation or justification to dismiss the complaint,” the lawmaker said, adding that it would have been difficult to explain a “no” vote to his constituents amid the issues brought before Congress.

Defensor also denied allegations that House members who supported the impeachment complaint were promised P20 million in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

According to the lawmaker, there was no need for bribery or coercion, insisting that many lawmakers were convinced by the weight of the evidence presented during deliberations.

Defensor clarified that the House vote was not yet a vote to convict the vice president, but merely a decision to elevate the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, where the actual trial will take place.

“The Senate will determine whether she should be convicted or acquitted,” he said.

Defensor further disclosed that as early as last year, he already believed the complaint carried probable cause and enough substance to proceed, adding that he did not feel pressured in making his decision.

The lawmaker admitted he did not expect as many as 257 members of the House to support the impeachment complaint, but noted that more legislators may have been persuaded after the vice president allegedly failed to directly respond to the accusations.

He also expressed hope that the impeachment trial in the Senate would begin soon, emphasizing the importance of allowing the constitutional process to move forward.

Defensor maintained that his vote was not driven by personal motives against Duterte, but by his belief that the rule of law and constitutional mechanisms must be upheld.IMT

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Iloilo City Lone District Representative Jamjam Baronda and USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Representative Jojo Ang were among the 257 lawmakers who impeached the country’s second highest official.

Janette Garin (First District of Iloilo province), Kathy Gorriceta (Second District), Lorenz Defensor (Third District), Ferj Beron (Fourth District), and Binky Tupas (Fifth District) also voted yes.

Defensor, who also serves as senior deputy majority leader, moved to endorse House Resolution No. 989 “together with all the annexes pursuant to the rules of House on Impeachment Proceedings.” 

“Further, I move that the Secretary General be directed to prepare and transmit the same to the Senate for appropriate action in accordance with the Constitution and the rules of the House.”

The Ilonggo lawmaker’s motion was approved by Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, who presided over the session, after hearing no objection from the chamber.

Duterte, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, became the first official in the country to be impeached twice for allegedly misusing her confidential funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening to kill President Bongbong Marcos.IMT

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The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) seized 6.4 kilograms of illegal drugs with an estimated value of  P43.8 million in anti-illegal drug operations conducted across Western Visayas in April this year.

During a press conference, PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan said the confiscations were the result of 137 police operations conducted throughout the month.

The operations also led to the arrest of 177 drug personalities. Of the number, 119 were street level individuals (SLIs), 51 were high-value individuals (HVIs), and seven were newly identified suspects.

While the April seizures represent a significant haul, Ligan noted a slight downward trend in the volume of confiscated drugs compared to previous months.

“As you can see, operational accomplishments on illegal drugs have slightly gone down. We only got 6.4 kilos for the month of April, compared to March, which had almost 8 kilos, and February with 11 kilos,” he said.

Ligan attributed the decrease to the intensified police operations.

“Therefore, as the operation intensifies, we are seeing that those selling might be afraid, they are laying low. But one thing is for sure, our work against illegal drugs will continue relentlessly,” he said.

The region’s top cop highlighted the crucial role of the community and local government support, particularly praising the reward system implemented by the Iloilo Provincial Government for informants who provide actionable intelligence leading to successful drug operations.

“If ever there is a positive operation regarding the information given, they will receive reward money from the Iloilo Provincial Government,” said Ligan.

“We are thankful for the incentive given by the local government; it provides help and incentives to truly eradicate—well, though we intend to do that for the government, at least to minimize it,” he continued.

Ligam called the reward system an “initiative and a best practice of Iloilo province” and expressed hope that other local government units would adopt similar measures.

“We are more than happy if ever other local governments will follow soon. Like what I said, it is a huge help to our campaign against illegal drugs when all the stakeholders are collaborating towards ending this illegal menace, especially here in Western Visayas,” he said.

To allay fears among potential tipsters, Ligan assured the public that the identities of informants would be strictly protected.

“We have the system already in place for those informants. When I was in PDEA, we called that ‘Private Eye.’ Rest assured, those informants’ identities will always be guarded,” he said.IMT

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Based on a report released by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), a roving security guard shot a grocery store worker around 4:37 p.m.

The victim, identified by authorities as alias “Jho,” sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to Western Visayas Medical Center.

The suspect, identified as alias “Josh,” 37, “voluntarily surrendered together with the firearm he allegedly used.” He is currently under police custody.

In a media interview, Josh said he had “no intention” of harming the victim, saying: “Indi ko man to hungod. Wala man ko intensyon.”

“Initial reports indicate the incident may have stemmed from a misunderstanding. Further investigation in ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motive,” the ICPO said.

The police office assured a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

“The ICPO assures the public that we are conducting a fair, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into this incident,” said Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, ICPO director.

“We appreciate the concern and support of [City] Mayor Raisa S. Treñas and assure everyone that updates will be provided accordingly as the investigation progresses,” he added.

Parilla urged the public to “remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities are establishing all the facts surrounding the case.”IMT

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General Services Office head Neil Ravena noted that a high heat index is often recorded within the area, and the cooling station that was opened by the city government was only considered a “palliative” or a short-term solution.

“What is needed is one that is sustainable. We target to plant more trees because that is the long-term and sustainable solution,” he said in an interview.

The green corridor will create a cooler, greener and more walkable corridor, strengthen biodiversity, improve stormwater management and air quality, and enhance urban aesthetics, pedestrian comfort and overall climate resilience.

He said that they have identified native tree species that could thrive in the area to establish the green corridor, from the corner of Gen. Luna to Ungka in Jaro district, which stretches around 4 kilometers.

Ravena said they started planting native trees during the time of former Mayor Jerry Treñas, but they will be adding more to provide more shade.

Currently, there are around 2,000 native trees planted along Diversion Road.

“One of our targets is the bike lane so that at any time of the day, the public can go biking because of the shade,” he said.

Ravena said the local government has requested 100,000 native and fruit-bearing trees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be planted all over Iloilo City, including the Diversion Road.

They will start retrieving the seedlings from the DENR nursery in Tangalan, Aklan on May 29.

Ravena said they plan to start planting in July, but they will also be monitoring the El Niño because it would only be a waste if the survival rate is low.PNA

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The suspect, identified only as alias “Romar,” 49, was apprehended at his residence in Zone 3, Brgy. Pali Benedicto on Thursday morning, May 7.

According to the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU-6), the operation was the culmination of nearly two months of intense monitoring and surveillance.

During the search, operatives recovered 30 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing roughly 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price (SDP) of P1,360,000.

Authorities also seized a .38 caliber pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition, along with four improvised tooters and various drug paraphernalia.

Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) commended the joint elements of the RPDEU-6, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Police Station 5, Regional Intelligence Division 6, City Intelligence Unit, and the SWAT team for the successful bust.

“This successful operation reflects the strong commitment of our police personnel in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and criminality,” Ligan stated.

“The confiscation of these illegal substances and firearm prevented possible threats to public safety and saved many live,” he added.

The suspect now detained at a police facility and will face multiple charges. These include violations of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Paraphernalia) of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Romar will also be charged for violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.IMT

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A ceremonial opening was held on Wednesday, May 6, at the San Rafael Cooling Hub in the Mandurriao district to mark the official launch of the initiative.

Aside from the San Rafael location, two other cooling hubs have been strategically deployed across the city: one beside the Jalandoni Pumping Station along General Luna Street in the City Proper, and another at Plazoleta Gay.

The hubs will be operational daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., providing a safe haven during the hottest hours of the day.

Designed to offer comfort and basic health monitoring, the hubs are fully air-conditioned and sustainably powered by solar generators.

Inside, a water station is available where visitors can drink or refill their own containers for free to stay hydrated.

Vital signs will be checked upon entering the hub to ensure the well-being of every visitor.

To provide further assistance and care, personnel from the City Health Office and a Barangay Health Worker are assigned to each location.

They are on standby to assist Ilonggos, as well as local and international tourists, who wish to use the installed cooling stations.

With the expected influx of people seeking shelter from the sun, the city government issued a gentle reminder to the public: “Please be considerate—share the space.”

The appeal aims to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to cool down, rehydrate, and rest before continuing with their daily activities.IMT

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