Over 5,000 WV cops deployed for Independence Day

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6 has mobilized 5,292 security personnel across Western Visayas to ensure a safe, orderly and peaceful commemoration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day on Friday, June 12.

The security contingent is composed of 4,430 Philippine National Police personnel, 101 personnel from partner agencies and 761 force multipliers.

Maj. Lailyn Sencil, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the deployment includes 253 members of the Civil Disturbance Management unit.

Of the 4,430 police personnel, 1,348 will handle police visibility, 255 will provide traffic assistance, 1,051 will conduct checkpoint operations and 110 will be assigned to border control.

Sencil said 296 police personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force will also be deployed, while 1,117 others will perform other law enforcement functions.

The personnel will be strategically positioned in ceremonial venues, public places, transportation terminals, major roads and other areas of convergence to provide security coverage, traffic management, public assistance and other support services.

Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, directed all unit commanders to ensure maximum police visibility, strengthen coordination with local government units and partner agencies, and strictly implement security measures throughout the celebration.

“As we commemorate our nation’s independence, PRO6 remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding every Filipino in Western Visayas. We encourage the public to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with authorities to help ensure a peaceful, meaningful, and orderly observance of this important national occasion,” Tuaño said.

PRO-6 also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities through 911 or to the nearest police station.

Tuaño said the security operations form part of PRO-6’s continuing commitment to a responsive, trusted and transformative police service in support of the PNP’s vision, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

The Philippines marks Independence Day every June 12, commemorating the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule in Kawit, Cavite, in 1898.