By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region has ramped up security for the May 12 midterm elections with the launch of Red Team operations across the region.
The Red Team, composed of trained personnel acting as adversaries, is tasked with testing the strength and readiness of current security measures.
These operations are crucial in implementing the regional security plan and identifying possible lapses in deployment.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said in a statement that the Red Team plays a critical role in ensuring the success of election security efforts.
He said its deployment is a strategic part of the agency’s election plan, providing real-time insight into deployment effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
“This ensures that we are not just reactive, but always a step ahead in providing a safe, orderly, and credible electoral process for the people of NIR,” he said.
Through simulations and operational assessments, the Red Team uncovers weaknesses, which are immediately reported to the Regional Election Monitoring and Action Center for prompt correction.
This proactive approach not only strengthens existing election coverage but also contributes to developing more effective and responsive security strategies for future events.
Insights and recommendations from Red Teaming activities are being continuously incorporated into the region’s security framework.
PRO-NIR reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the upcoming elections through innovation, operational excellence, and coordination among all security stakeholders.
The regional police office has deployed 7,000 personnel, including military support, to ensure the safety of voters and election workers.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas has deployed 310 personnel as of May 9 to support police forces during the elections.
Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr., CGDSV commander, said 97 personnel were assigned to Negros Oriental, 74 to Negros Occidental—including Bacolod City—and 49 to Siquijor.
Of the 74 deployed to Negros Occidental, 35 came from the northern sector and 39 from the southern sector.
Librilla said the mission is to uphold a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process, allowing every Filipino to vote safely and confidently.
He emphasized the critical role of each Coast Guard personnel in protecting the democratic process and ensuring voters can cast their ballots free from fear or intimidation.
As election day approaches, the CGDSV remains committed to preserving peace, public safety, and democratic values.
