Western Visayas police units boost capabilities

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police units in Western Visayas have received additional mobile and combat equipment to strengthen their response capabilities.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, led the turnover of the equipment to the recipient units on Tuesday, July 9.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) received:

• 100 units of 5.56 basic assault rifles (Galil)
• 3,600 rounds of 5.56mm ball cartridges, SS109
• 700 pieces of 30-round steel magazines
• 100 tactical slings
• 100 detachable forward grips
• 100 cleaning kits

Wanky stated that the ordnance items are intended for the newly-activated ICPO Stations 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) also received a refurbished Toyota Hi-Lux double cab unit, slated for use by the Janiuay Municipal Police Station. Local government officials of Janiuay town and the chief of police, Captain Alwin Salmon, received the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Antique Police Provincial Office (AkPPO) received a speed boat and four units of dive equipment. Wanky said these will be used for AkPPO’s search, rescue, and retrieval operations. The equipment was procured through the Congress Initiated Changes/Adjustment (CICA) Fiscal Year 2023, as endorsed by Senator Loren Legarda.

Wanky emphasized that the equipment was given to units that needed them the most.