By Jennifer P. Rendon
Like other police units nationwide, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 is on heightened alert following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said the alert status is merely a precautionary measure by the Philippine National Police in case of mass protests.
“But there’s no cause for alarm,” he said.
Wanky assured that police field commanders are fully aware of the situation on the ground.
“This is just to maintain the prevailing peace and order,” he said.
Authorities have not detected any planned protests in the region condemning Duterte’s arrest.
However, Wanky said police are monitoring groups that might exploit the situation to criticize the government.
This includes individuals with other political agendas, he added.
Regarding Duterte’s security, Wanky said there is no “overkill” in deployment, emphasizing that it is standard procedure to secure a former president.
For those planning demonstrations for or against Duterte’s arrest, Wanky reminded them to follow legal procedures.
“They should secure clearance or a permit from the concerned local government unit,” he said.
He assured that protesters would be given security in recognition of their right to free expression.
There were reports that PRO-6 initially placed its Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units on alert.
However, this was not pursued after monitoring showed that public gatherings in support of Duterte were concentrated in Mindanao.
