By Jennifer P. Rendon
Due to perceived intense political rivalry, the Police Regional Office 6 has deployed additional quick reaction forces to specific areas in the region.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said the deployment is concentrated in Iloilo’s fifth district and Capiz’s first district.
“Aside from our regular deployment, we sent more QRFs to those areas compared to other provinces and districts,” he said.
Wanky said the goal is to ensure adequate personnel resources for election security.
“In Iloilo’s fifth district, we gave special attention to Ajuy, Sara, Concepcion and San Dionisio,” he said.
“For candidates requesting additional forces, we made sure enough troops are present to secure the area,” he added.
Wanky said any personnel reassignment in those areas is part of the Philippine National Police’s efforts to maintain impartiality.
“We want an impartial police force,” he said.
“Our aim is to level the playing field—no candidate should be favored,” he added.
Since the start of the election period, PRO-6 has not officially recorded any election-related incidents.
However, the killing of veteran broadcaster Juan “Johnny” Dayang in Kalibo, Aklan is being considered a possible election-related incident.
