The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) has intensified its campaign against the so-called "Termite Gang" by conducting separate security awareness forums on May 22, 2026, in the municipalities of Calinog and Badiangan, Iloilo.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Engilbert Banquillo, deputy provincial director for operations, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sheila Marie Sardoma, chief of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit, led the "Empowering Defense: Key Conversations on Security Enhancement" lectures. These events were held in partnership with local police stations and municipal officials to strengthen community vigilance against theft and robbery operations allegedly linked to the gang.
Calinog Forum Highlights
The first forum took place at 9 a.m. at the Calinog Municipal Hall in Barangay Poblacion Ilaya, Calinog. It was conducted together with the Calinog Municipal Police Station (MPS) headed by Police Captain Melvin Mercado, officer-in-charge. Participants included business owners, managers, chief security officers, operations officers, and representatives from financial institutions, money remittance centers, and the business sector.
Banquillo warned that "the group poses a threat by targeting financial institutions and vulnerable businesses for theft and robbery." Rachel Manero, municipal administrator of Calinog, expressed support for the initiative and reminded participants to remain vigilant. She emphasized that crime prevention should not rest solely on the Philippine National Police and thanked the Ippo for initiating the forum.
Badiangan Forum Details
Later that day, a second lecture was held at 2 p.m. at the Badiangan Social Hall in Poblacion, Badiangan, in coordination with the Badiangan MPS headed by Police Lieutenant Lanie B. Chin, officer-in-charge. Sardoma briefed participants on the reported tactics and operations of the "Termite Gang," which authorities said continues to pose risks to financial institutions and vulnerable businesses.
Serafin Villa Jr., Sangguniang Bayan member and chairman of the Peace and Order Council, and Alegria Gallega, chairperson of the Municipal Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development, conveyed their support. Both encouraged attendees to remain alert and proactive in maintaining security. Municipal Mayor Lawyer Suzette Mamon underscored the importance of collective responsibility in crime prevention and commended the Ippo for organizing the dialogue.
Broader Impact and Commitment
Police officials noted that the two activities promoted open dialogue and strengthened collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, business establishments, and community stakeholders in sustaining peace and order in Iloilo province. The Ippo said the forums formed part of its continuing proactive policing strategy and community partnership efforts to protect residents and businesses from criminal activities.
Authorities added that sustained engagement with stakeholders, including financial institutions and private establishments, remains essential in preventing robbery incidents and improving public safety awareness. The Ippo reiterated its commitment to collaborative policing programs and security enhancement activities to ensure that Ilonggos can safely live, work, and conduct business across the province.
