The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) has recalled all 682 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers undergoing mandatory training or enrolled in specialized courses to the regional headquarters to augment the security deployment for the October 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
“Today signifies our collective determination to ensure the safety and security of Western Visayas during this crucial electoral process. I understand that all of you were pulled out from your mandatory schooling to serve these elections,” PRO-6 regional director, Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, in his “Talk to Men” on Friday, October 20, said.
Villaflor said the upcoming polls are more than just a routine event, admitting that BSKE is more personal and emotional compared to the last elections as candidates know each other.
Also, there were indicators of some elected politicians trying to meddle even if they were not supposed to dip their fingers into the process.
He reminded them to always maintain neutrality and professionalism in their interaction; prioritize personal safety at all times; and understand relevant laws, regulations, and operational procedures, among others.
“We should always be circumspect in all the things that we will do and in what we will say,” he added.
Meanwhile, the new director of the PRO in Eastern Visayas has vowed to step up security for the upcoming BSKE.
Brigadier General Reynaldo Pawid called for more efforts to implement the election security plan, 10 days before the polls.
“We will continue to strengthen our coordination with our counterpart from the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the local government units, exhausting all available resources to ensure a safe, secure and fair BSKE 2023,” he said during the turnover of command on October 19.
Pawid replaced Brigadier General Vincent Calanoga, who is retiring soon and is now assigned to the main headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He thanked the PNP leadership for their trust and confidence in him to lead Eastern Visayas’ more than 10,423 police personnel.
“I am aware of the challenges that come along the way, but I am confident that we can overcome any obstacles that may cross our path with all your support and cooperation,” he told police officers.
Pawid also took the challenge of implementing the strategic deployment of personnel, especially in identified election areas of concern; intensified checkpoint operations; intelligence-driven operations against loose firearms, gun-for-hire individuals, and their benefactors; and filing of appropriate charges if warranted by evidence. (PNA)