PRO-6 deploys 3,265 cops for COC filing security

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Tighter security measures have been implemented to secure the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections in Western Visayas.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 announced on Monday (September 30) that it has intensified security efforts and will deploy 3,265 personnel to ensure peace and order during the COC filing period, which runs from October 1 to 8, 2024.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) accounts for the largest deployment with 931 personnel, followed by the Negros Occidental PPO with 706.

Other deployments include:

• Capiz PPO: 397
• Antique PPO: 363
• Aklan PPO: 344
• Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO): 201
• Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO): 186
• Guimaras PPO: 137

Of the total, 295 personnel will be assigned to secure designated areas where COC applications will be submitted.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, assured the public that all security preparations are in place for the 8-day filing period.

“We will undertake several police interventions to ensure the activity will be orderly and peaceful from start to finish,” he said.

Wanky expressed optimism about maintaining peace in the months leading up to the election period, citing improvements in the region’s peace and order situation.

From July 1 to September 20, 2024, PRO-6 recorded a 13.63% decrease in crime incidents, with 2,249 cases compared to 2,604 during the same period in 2023.

Index crimes dropped from 578 incidents in 2023 to 453 in 2024, while non-index crimes decreased by 11.35%, from 2,026 to 1,796 cases.

Similarly, the region’s eight-focus crimes declined from 576 cases in 2023 to 452 in 2024.

Wanky attributed the decline to PRO-6’s ongoing campaigns against illegal activities, their drive to apprehend wanted persons, the strategic deployment of personnel, and the regular conduct of Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO).

“Despite these improvements, we will continue to enhance our approaches and programs to ensure peace and order in the region,” Wanky assured.