By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 on Tuesday said it is fully prepared to ensure public safety during this year’s Holy Week observance.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said about 1,686 police officers will be deployed across the region for security duties.
Iloilo province will have the highest number of deployed personnel with 487, followed by Aklan, which includes Boracay Island, with 347.
Capiz will deploy 257 officers, Antique 255, Iloilo City 217, and Guimaras 121.
Wanky said officers will be assigned to strategic and high-traffic areas such as churches, ports, terminals, malls, and tourist destinations.
Police assistance desks will be set up in these locations to help ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
“Our deployment is in coordination and collaboration with the local government units and other concerned government agencies,” Wanky said.
The police will also be supported by barangay officials, barangay tanod (village watchmen), and other community-based force multipliers.
Aside from assistance desks, officers will conduct foot and mobile patrols, establish checkpoints, and carry out other law enforcement operations.
Wanky said they expect a significant number of residents to travel to religious sites, visit churches, or return to their hometowns and vacation spots.
“In view of this, we recommend that the traveling public acquaint themselves with and save the hotline numbers of the police and other government agencies in the areas they are visiting for immediate assistance when the need arises,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said it is implementing comprehensive strategies to maintain peace and order during the Holy Week.
These include increased police visibility, rationalized deployment, intensified patrols, and enhanced coordination with local government units and community organizations.
The ICPO also plans to adjust day and night deployments to respond promptly to any incidents and preempt illegal activities.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the ICPO through its hotlines: (033) 335-0299 or 0908-377-0194.
