Fewer crimes, traffic mishaps reported in Ilocos Norte in 2025
LAOAG CITY – The province of Ilocos Norte has remained generally peaceful in 2025 with the implementation of enhanced police operations and intensified campaigns against illegal drugs, wanted persons, and loose firearms, authorities said Wednesday.
Since Jan. 1, a total of 469 crime incidents were recorded in the province, down from last year's 522, according to Police Lt. Col. Jephre Taccad, chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), during the fourth quarter meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Provincial Peace and Order Council.
A sharp decline in the number of vehicular traffic accidents was also recorded, from 306 last year to 165 this year, Taccad said, attributing the decrease to the intensified implementation of "Oplan: Sita" and the establishment of strategic checkpoints along the national highway.
"The common cause of vehicular incidents in our province is due to reckless driving. These usually happen during weekends between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight, and the most common are motorcycle-related accidents, followed by sedan and tricycle," he said.
The police also conducted 144 anti-illegal drug operations since Jan. 1, resulting in the confiscation of more than P4-million worth of shabu and P15,000 worth of marijuana, and the arrest of 159 drug personalities and the surrender of 53 others.
Meanwhile, more than 5,000 grams of shabu valued at P34 million were also surrendered or recovered by the police through the collaborative efforts of the Barangay Information Network and the local government units.
On the campaign against loose firearms, the provincial police said it has arrested 57 persons and seized 276 unlicensed firearms.
Regarding the enforcement of traffic laws and ordinances, INPPO said 69,660 violators were apprehended, resulting in P32.7-million worth of accumulated fines.
Lawyer Gerald Gallardo, the director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 1 (Ilocos Norte), urged the Land Transportation Office to offer a free theoretical driving course in schools to instill discipline among drivers, particularly the youth who are mostly involved in traffic violations. (PNA)