Ilocos norte: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, since Jan. 1, a total of 469 crime incidents were recorded in the province, down from last year's 522. This data was presented by Lt. Col. Jephre Taccad, chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), during the 4th quarter meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Provincial Peace and Order Council.

A significant decline in the number of vehicular traffic accidents was also recorded, from 306 last year to 165 this year. Taccad attributed the decrease to the intensified implementation of "Oplan Sita" and the establishment of strategic checkpoints along the national highway. He noted that the common cause of vehicular incidents in the province is reckless driving, occurring mostly during weekends between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight, with motorcycle-related accidents being the most common, followed by sedan and tricycle incidents.

The police conducted 144 anti-illegal drug operations since Jan. 1, leading to the confiscation of more than PHP4 million worth of shabu and PHP15,000 worth of marijuana, as well as the arrest of 159 drug personalities and the surrender of 53 others. Additionally, more than 5,000 grams of shabu valued at PHP34 million were surrendered or recovered through the collaborative efforts of the Barangay Information Network and the local government units.

In the campaign against loose firearms, the provincial police reported the arrest of 57 persons and the seizure of 276 unlicensed firearms. Furthermore, regarding the enforcement of traffic laws and ordinances, INPPO stated that 69,660 violators were apprehended, resulting in PHP32.7 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.