By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 (Central Visayas) has deployed 200 additional personnel to boost disaster response efforts and ensure smooth operations during the 2025 midterm elections in Negros Oriental.
The deployment consists of 100 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Company (RMFB) and 100 from the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
The officers were sent off from Cebu City to Negros Oriental on Jan. 31 to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the province.
The RMFB will focus on establishing anti-criminality checkpoints, while the PMFC will handle evacuation and humanitarian efforts, particularly in Canlaon City.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PRO-7 regional director, said the personnel will undertake dual missions—providing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the community’s challenges and maintaining peace and security during the elections.
“As I step into my role at PRO-7, I want to assure everyone that we are dedicated to providing comprehensive law enforcement support, effective disaster response, and facilitating peaceful and orderly midterm elections in 2025,” Maranan said in a statement.
Recognizing Negros Oriental as a priority area, PRO-7 aims to foster a peaceful electoral environment.
Maranan emphasized that their objective is to ensure that citizens can cast their votes free from fear and violence, empowering them to elect deserving and qualified leaders who will contribute to the province’s progress.
He assured the troops that the regional office would provide the necessary logistical support and resources for their mission in Negros Oriental.
“I urge the police officers to also prioritize your safety as you perform our mandate, and we look forward to your safe return,” he said.
He also reminded police officers to demonstrate discipline and prudence at all times, as the community depends on their professionalism and dedication.
Maranan encouraged residents to remain vigilant and actively support the police in maintaining peace and order to ensure successful elections.
During his visit to the province on Feb. 2, Maranan held a command conference at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) in Sibulan town.
The conference addressed security issues and focused on initiatives to enhance public safety, improve disaster response efforts, and ensure well-coordinated operations during the upcoming polls.
“In alignment with our unwavering commitment to uphold the law, this visit not only underscores our vision of ‘Makabagong Pulis’ but also reinforces our collective responsibility for a safer and more secure Negros Oriental province,” Maranan said.