The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) gathered its stakeholders, partners and police personnel as it recognized outstanding police stations and community partners.

Among its esteemed guests and speakers was MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) president and CEO Mr. Roel Z. Castro.

In his message, Castro recognized the significant achievement of the city office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and its collaboration with its stakeholders, which resulted in the steady decline of index and non-index crimes.

According to Castro, both index and non-index crimes in Iloilo City declined between 2024 and 2025. Records from the ICPO showed a decline of 31 percent in index crimes and 10 percent in non-index crimes.

“This may not happen if it is not because of the relationship that police officers have with their stakeholders. It is just fitting that the ceremony that we celebrated is the culmination of the Police Community Relations Month that really highlights the effectiveness of the programs that are still being implemented. And these are very effective,” he said

Castro cited one of the best examples of proactive collaboration between the police and MORE Power as the campaign against illegal connections. During the initial phase of MORE Power’s 5-year development plan, MORE Power is in close coordination with the PNP in going through every village in Iloilo City.

In fact, there are some barangays whose system loss reached a staggering 60 percent. This contributed to the 30 percent system’s loss overall when MORE Power assumed the operations.

The most significant impact of police community relations and private sector collaboration is during the dialogue with the individuals who were caught tampering electrical connections.

Not until MORE Power, the PNP, together with the barangay officials, identified the root cause of the massive pilferage in Iloilo City and the power company sought the help of the city government to lighten up requirements during application has there been a huge decline in the system’s loss.

From 30 percent, MORE Power consumers now enjoy a 3.83 percent system loss. Far from the cap set by Energy Regulatory Commission at 5.5 percent.

Castro attributed the feat to the effective programs being implemented from before up until today.

“From somebody who really felt the effect of the program of having this effective community involvement again, as shown by the numbers from 30% systems loss down to 3.83%. The programs help and cooperate with each other. From the side of our officers in uniform, let us understand why it is happening. Those learning should come from the affected of those victims, should come from the community, and as well as sa atin,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate the Iloilo City Police Office for a very remarkable outstanding performance for bringing down index crimes. With that, congratulations to Col. Parilla and to all the men and women of the police force,” Castro added.

Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, ICPO director, thanked MORE Power and its partners for the effective collaboration to help secure a peaceful Ilonggo community.

“The success of every police-community relations program is a testament to the collective efforts of our police personnel and our community partners. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to building stronger partnerships founded on trust, accountability, and genuine public service. Together, we will continue to uphold our mission of keeping Iloilo City safe, peaceful, and resilient,” he said.

MORE Power reaffirmed its commitment in working hand in hand with the Iloilo City Police Office to promote a safer community for Ilonggos while continuously delivering quality and reliable service to its consumers.