POLICE Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), deployed 1,132 more personnel across Iloilo province on May 6, 2025, to ensure a safe and peaceful conduct of the National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, 2025.
Razalan issued strict reminders to all deployed personnel to remain vigilant, uphold professionalism, and adhere to the rules and regulations mandated by the Philippine National Police and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6).
“Ginapahanumdom ang tanan nga naka-deploy nga magbantay kontra sa mga paglapas sang kasuguan, ilabi na gid ang mga pagbayolar sang Kasuguan sa Eleksyon. Dapat mangin alisto, propesyonal, kag sundon ang mga kasuguan kag ang pagrespeto sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Sundon sing hugot ang 'Dos and Don’ts' sa eleksyon nga ginmando sang aton Chief PNP kag Regional Director,” Razalan said.
(All deployed personnel are reminded to monitor against violations of the law, especially violations of the Election Code. They should be vigilant, professional, and follow the laws and respect human rights. Strictly follow the 'Dos and Don'ts' in the election as mandated by our chief PNP and regional director.)
These personnel, drawn from the regional headquarters and various police units across the region, will support the current Ippo force of 2,078.
They will be stationed throughout the province to strengthen security operations and maintain public order during the election period.
According to Razalan, 28 Quick Reaction Teams have also been mobilized, comprising 11 teams from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 17 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). These teams are tasked with immediate response to any election-related incidents and with reinforcing overall election security.
Key directives include maintaining neutrality, ensuring close coordination with Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials, increasing police visibility to deter unlawful acts, reporting incidents through proper channels, and not tolerating any form of vote-buying or voter intimidation.
The Ippo emphasized the importance of public cooperation and responsible voting and called on all police personnel to demonstrate integrity and commitment during the elections. (Leo Solinap)