Authorities have assured that the peace and order situation in Iloilo City remains stable despite the deadly family feud in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz, on March 21.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said the incident, which resulted in four fatalities and two injuries, stemmed from “a specific, localized dispute.”
The latest police investigation report showed that the stabbing spree was caused by a botched transaction involving illegal items previously seized by police in a separate operation.
According to ICPO Officer-in-Charge Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the bloody incident does not reflect the broader security climate of the city.
He noted that the illegal drug situation in the city, based on the recent assessment conducted by police personnel, is “manageable” and “not alarming.”
“Our personnel are continuously monitoring the barangays to ensure these isolated disputes do not escalate or spread,” Parilla added.
The city’s top cop assured that they are maintaining high visibility and conducting educational campaigns to keep the community involved in reporting suspicious activities.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Raisa Treñas immediately convened a meeting with Parilla and station commanders to ensure accountability.
While expressing dismay over the violence, the mayor focused on the city’s long-term success in clearing neighborhoods of illegal substances.
“We will not allow violence to take root in our communities,” Treñas said.
The mayor highlighted that many barangays have recently earned their “drug-cleared” status from the Iloilo City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC).
“There is no turning back in our campaign to keep Iloilo City safe and drug-free,” she said.
To further bolster security and community trust, Mayor Treñas announced several proactive measures.
These include the opening of two new facilities next month to increase police presence and emergency response.
Administrative police personnel are now being deployed during peak morning and afternoon hours to assist with traffic management and public safety.IMT
