THE Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) was placed on full alert effective May 3, 2025, as part of its intensified security preparations for the upcoming May 13 midterm elections.
The directive aims to ensure a secure, orderly, and peaceful electoral process across the region.
"PRO 6 personnel will secure all our polling centers regionwide," said Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the PRO 6.
Wanky stated that security is being provided for the transportation of Automated Counting Machines and other election paraphernalia from warehouses to various municipalities and cities in the region.
He said that PRO 6 has finalized its regional security plan, with emphasis on preventing threats and maintaining public order throughout the election period.
The strategy includes regular Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints in municipalities and cities, intensified intelligence and anti-criminality operations, and the deployment of additional police personnel to areas in need.
Despite the focus on election duties, Wanky assured the public that PRO 6 continues to perform its broader law enforcement responsibilities. These include ongoing campaigns against illegal drugs, wanted persons, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal gambling.
Wanky reiterated that the public can expect a secure voting environment throughout Western Visayas.
"We want our citizens in Western Visayas to cast their votes without fear or intimidation. This mission is part of our continuous commitment to safeguarding our municipalities and cities," he said.
Wanky emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive policing in the coming days to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
As of May 3, 2025, PRO 6 reported 66 arrests for violations of the nationwide gun ban. Authorities also recovered 66 firearms, three gun replicas, and four explosives from these operations. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)