The incident that took place in the town of Pavia, Iloilo, on Monday night, Feb. 23, sparked confusion, conflicting reports, and questions about law enforcement coordination.

What initially circulated as a potential abduction of 29-year-old Gene Stephanie Guillem quickly drew attention after a video of a roadside commotion went viral.

Public perception leaned toward a criminal act, prompting scrutiny from residents and the media.

However, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) clarified that the incident was not an abduction but a “personal misunderstanding” or love quarrel between Guillem and her former boyfriend.

Guillem, according to a statement issued by the PRO-6, voluntarily went to the Pavia Municipal Police Station around 8:30 a.m. the next day to clarify the situation.

Hours later, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG–Iloilo) revealed another layer.

Guillem was reportedly linked to “Oplan Paglalansag Omega,” a law enforcement operation targeting illegal firearms.

Police Lieutenant Job Lujan of the CIDG-Iloilo explained that Guillem became emotional during the encounter, mistakenly believing she was involved in a drug-related buy-bust.

The CIDG-Iloilo stressed that the operation focused solely on firearms and that she was later released.

The divergence between the two accounts has left residents and officials questioning transparency.

If the matter was purely a love quarrel, why was CIDG involved? If it was a firearms probe, why did the regional police omit this in their initial statement?

Adding to the tension, Pavia Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta expressed frustration over the conflicting reports.

Gorriceta commended the police for their service but admitted the statements left him “confused” and said he might request the relief of Police Captain Ritz Field Presquito, officer-in-charge of the municipal police, if the matter is not resolved.

The mayor is now calling for direct intervention from Police Brigadier Gen. Josefino Ligan, PRO-6 Regional Director, to reconcile the inconsistencies and provide clarity.

As of now, the incident remains a gray area—part personal dispute, part law enforcement operation—with the public awaiting a consolidated account that can bridge the gap between the conflicting official narratives.

The case underscores the challenges in balancing operational confidentiality with the community’s right to transparent and accurate information.friend.IMT