The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) augmented the capability of various city and provincial police offices (C/PPOS) ahead of the long weekend as they received mobility assets; tires; and search, rescue, and retrieval equipment during a ceremony at the regional headquarters in Iloilo City yesterday.

The mobility assets consisted of two units of the Special Weapon and Tactics van, one light transport vehicle, all for the Antique Police Provincial Office, and one 4×4 personnel carrier for the Alimodian Police Station of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office.

The PRO-6 also distributed 1,060 raincoats, 600 hard hats, 176 life vests, and 120 pieces of tires for eight C/PPOS, regional headquarters, and the mobile force battalion.

PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky, in his message, said the turnover comes in the busy months of the year, and the resources would be helpful, especially since the Philippine National Police is now on heightened alert status since Wednesday, October 30, and would stay until the end of the election period.

“The coming days and months pose gargantuan challenges because the requirements for police presence and visibility would be doubled, especially in places of convergence. This, more than ever, we need to prepare our personnel and our logistical capabilities for this call of duty,” Wanky said.

In time for the observance of Undas, PRO-6 deployed 1,900 cops in cemeteries, transport terminals, ports, and other areas of convergence.

There will also be police assistance desks to ensure public safety and security, he said.

“In our security coverage, we will closely coordinate and collaborate with the local government units, other law enforcement agencies, force multipliers, and advocacy support groups to assist in the operation,” he added. (PNA)