For the second year running, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has claimed the prestigious title of the country’s best city police office, while the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) earned recognition among the Top 5 performing provincial units nationwide. The awards were presented during the 1st PNP Day 2026 celebration at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
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ICPO’s Leadership and Community Partnership Recognized
ICPO officer-in-charge Col. Wilbert Parilla received the accolade from Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., alongside Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. The same honor was first conferred on the city police on August 12, 2025, during the 124th Police Service Anniversary, also at Camp Crame.
Expressing his gratitude, Parilla acknowledged the support of his predecessor, Col. Kim Legada, the men and women of ICPO, the local government, and the wider community.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of every member of ICPO, as well as the strong partnership we share with our local government and stakeholders. Rest assured that we will continue to serve with honor and dedication to ensure the safety and security of our beloved Iloilo City,” Parilla said in a statement, emphasizing the collective effort behind the award.
IPPO and Regional Officers Also Excel
Meanwhile, IPPO is set to receive its award as the best provincial police office in Western Visayas during the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) PNP Day celebration on February 2. IPPO director Col. Bayani Razalan will also be recognized as Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer, while Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit chief Maj. Dadje Delima earned the title of Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer in the region. All three, along with the provincial police office, ranked in the national Top 5.
Razalan highlighted the impact of the IPPO’s sustained anti-criminality campaigns, which have contributed to a noticeable decrease in index crimes across Iloilo.
“What is good is that we have a high crime clearance efficiency and crime solution efficiency. We surpass the minimum passing requirements of the national headquarters,” he said in a media interview, reflecting on the office’s strong performance metrics.
The Police Regional Office 6 commended ICPO’s ongoing commitment to law enforcement excellence, effective crime prevention, and community collaboration. The office noted that the back-to-back recognition underscores the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of ICPO personnel, whose efforts continue to strengthen public trust in the police.
“Excellence is always at the center of our service. This recognition reflects the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of every member of ICPO, as well as our strong partnership with the local government and stakeholders,” Parilla added. “We will continue to serve with honor and commitment to ensure the safety and security of Iloilo City.”
The distinction reinforces Iloilo’s reputation as a model for effective policing in the country, showing that committed law enforcement, strategic crime prevention, and strong community cooperation can significantly enhance public safety and confidence. It sets a standard of accountability and service, illustrating how local police offices can foster safer communities and contribute to a sense of security nationwide.
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