PRO-6 Warns Candidates Against Drug Ties

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has issued a warning to political aspirants in the 2025 midterm elections to avoid associations with individuals involved in drug-related activities.

PRO-6 Director Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky stressed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) commitment to maintaining a clean and secure election season, cautioning that any candidate found connected to drug personalities would face consequences.

“So far, we’ve made numerous arrests in the fight against illegal drugs, and our work continues. We’re closely monitoring information regarding politicians or drug personalities supporting candidates. This serves as a warning—anyone found involved will face consequences,” Wanky said during the launch of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) on November 6 at Camp General Martin T. Delgado in Iloilo City.

The RJSCC is a collaborative effort among the PNP, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other agencies to coordinate security, monitor election activities, and prevent malpractice.

It serves as a central hub involving the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Private Security Agency Supervisory Office (PADPAO), with the goal of ensuring a smooth and secure election through comprehensive security planning.

COMELEC Region 6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan highlighted that the RJSCC will be crucial in addressing threats to election integrity.

To prepare for the elections, PRO-6 has begun reshuffling personnel, especially those closely associated with political candidates.

Wanky said the reshuffling of key personnel and police chiefs is intended to prevent potential biases or conflicts of interest.

He noted that more reassignments are expected as the election approaches, with any changes during the election period requiring COMELEC approval to ensure fairness.