By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 formally turned over new patrol vehicles to nine police units in Western Visayas on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director, led the ceremonial turnover and blessing of nine Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 personnel carriers at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City.
Of the nine recipients, five are from the Aklan Police Provincial Office (AkPPO), including the municipal police stations of Kalibo, Malay, New Washington and Tangalan, as well as the 2nd Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Other recipients are the municipal police stations of Libertad in Antique and Anilao, Dingle and San Enrique in Iloilo.
Wanky turned over the ceremonial key to the chiefs of police and their respective town mayors.
He said involving local chief executives in the ceremony was appropriate since the mobility assets will benefit not only the Philippine National Police units receiving them but also the communities they serve.
“These patrol vehicles can serve many purposes, especially during this election period, when police deployment and response rates are expected to increase,” he said.
He added that the vehicles will be used to intensify random checkpoints and security coverage for political caucuses and rallies.
Wanky emphasized that patrol vehicles have always played a crucial role in effective police response and operations.
He urged officers to maximize the use of their new vehicles.
“Use these patrol vehicles to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness in law enforcement and public safety services. At the same time, take good care of these assets. Let them reflect the quality of service you provide,” he said.
He reminded officers to keep the vehicles clean and in good condition.
They must also follow preventive maintenance guidelines and driving protocols to ensure long-term usability.
“One of the best ways to do this is to treat these patrol vehicles as your own. Be good stewards of these government assets,” he said.
Wanky also appealed to mayors to support their police force in ensuring the vehicles are used effectively.
“These mobility assets are meant to serve your constituents,” he said.
