Iloilo City, Philippines - Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that the PHP20 million confidential fund proposed for 2024 will primarily bolster the anti-criminality efforts of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO). The fund is intended to support various operations and needs of the ICPO, including the Social Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. This announcement follows the loss of a SWAT officer in an anti-drug operation last month.
According to Philippines News Agency, The city government's decision to allocate this substantial fund is a response to recent significant drug seizures, including PHP20.4 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Camalig and PHP7.8 million in Barangay Concepcion. Treñas expressed his alarm over the large volumes of drugs but relief that they were intercepted before reaching the streets. The mayor emphasized the city's commitment to equipping the ICPO to respond effectively to emerging challenges, including cybercrimes.
Following the recent apprehension of 17 Chinese nationals operating a cybersex den in Barangay Balantang, Treñas stated the city's readiness to support the ICPO with additional resources. He also mentioned the city's plans to establish dedicated checkpoints in every district and coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation for expertise in cybercrime investigations.