Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has ordered the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) to intensify its campaign to reduce road accidents and the entry of illegal drugs in the province.
Defensor gave the directive during the New Year’s Call of the IPPO, led by Col. Bayani Razalan and the chiefs of the city and municipal police stations of the 43 local governments and other police units in the province on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
He emphasized that the provincial government is willing to help address road mishaps, usually caused by road issues and drunk drivers, through the provision of breath analyzers and proper signage, among others.
“The vehicular accident is a burden to our health care system,” he said, urging the local police to provide him with the inventory of the needed signage.
The IPPO has recorded a 6.28 percent increase in vehicular accidents in 2025 compared with the preceding year – 5,341 cases in 2025 and 5,025 incidents in 2024.
Meanwhile, Defensor lauded the provincial police for its high accomplishment in the anti-drug campaign.
He, however, said that in one year, he wants to see fewer apprehensions because there are no more illegal drugs entering the province.
The governor cited the need to improve the capabilities of the local police and strengthen intelligence.
“Let us increase our capability to work with the intelligence community,” Defensor said.
Last year, the 371 operations launched by the local police seized 24,228 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P165.96 million.PNA
