THE Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) launched the regional Community Assistance, Safety and Support Network (CASSN) program at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Mabini Street, Iloilo City, with Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) serving as the keynote speaker on July 22, 2025.
Ligan emphasized the program's importance in creating safer communities.
"It is our goal to make every person's experience in the Philippines—both residents and non-residents—especially here in Western Visayas, meaningful, productive, and safe," Ligan said.
The CASSN represents a key initiative of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and community sectors. Ligan stressed the program's role in the PNP's commitment to swift and responsive public service, aimed at preventing crime and addressing community concerns through expanded support networks.
Police Brigadier General Alexander Mariano, deputy regional director for administration of PRO 6, delivered welcome remarks at the ceremony. Police Colonel Victorino Romanillos Jr., chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the CASSN program structure and objectives.
The ceremonial signing of the Pledge of Commitment and Support took place with Ligan leading community representatives in their formal commitment to the program. Support messages were delivered by Vicente Tan, representing Terrence Uygongco of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo; So Jim Kim, president of the Korean Residents Organization Boracay; and Gurjit Janda, representing Kamaljit-Toni Singh of the Indian Community, Iloilo City Chapter.
Ligan praised the Icpo for its community engagement efforts and recognized the office for maintaining high standards in local policing operations.
He highlighted the successful implementation of the five-minute response protocol simulation, a core component of the CASSN, which was conducted by the Icpo and the Aklan Police Provincial Office (Akppo) in selected areas.
The regional director expressed optimism about continued collaboration between law enforcement and community groups to enhance safety measures for all visitors to Western Visayas, whether they come for leisure, educational, or business purposes.
The CASSN aims to create a more welcoming and secure environment through strengthened partnerships between police units and various community sectors.
The launching ceremony marks a significant step in the PRO 6s' efforts to modernize community policing approaches and build stronger relationships with diverse community groups across the region. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)