MARCHING ORDER. Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Sidney N. Villaflor gives his guidance during the “Talk to Men” ceremony attended by over 600 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers undergoing their mandatory training or enrolled in specialized courses recalled to the regional headquarters on Friday (Oct. 20, 2023). They will augment the security deployment for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), said the regional director. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – The Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) has recalled all 682 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers undergoing mandatory training or enrolled in specialized courses to the regional headquarters to augment the security deployment for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“Today signifies our collective determination to ensure the safety and security of Western Visayas during this crucial electoral process. I understand that all of you were pulled out from your mandatory schooling to serve these elections,” said PRO6 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Sidney N. Villaflor, in his “Talk to Men” on Friday.
Villaflor said the upcoming polls are more than just a routine event, admitting that BSKE is more personal and emotional compared to the last elections as candidates know each other.
Also, there were indicators of some elected politicians trying to meddle even if they were not supposed to dip their fingers into the process.
He reminded them to always maintain neutrality and professionalism in their interaction; prioritize personal safety at all times; and understand relevant laws, regulations, and operational procedures, among others.
“We should always be circumspect in all the things that we will do and in what we will say,” he added.
Meanwhile, the new director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) has vowed to step up security for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid called for more efforts to implement the election security plan, 10 days before the polls.
“We will continue to strengthen our coordination with our counterpart from the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the local government units, exhausting all available resources to ensure a safe, secure, and fair BSKE 2023,” he said during the turnover of command late Thursday.
Pawid replaced Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga, who is retiring soon and is now assigned at the main headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He thanked the PNP leadership for their trust and confidence in him to lead Eastern Visayas’ more than 10,423 police personnel.
“I am aware of the challenges that come along the way, but I am confident that we can overcome any obstacles that may cross our path with all your support and cooperation,” he told police officers.
Pawid also took the challenge of implementing the strategic deployment of personnel, especially in identified election areas of concern; intensified checkpoint operations; intelligence-driven operations against loose firearms, gun-for-hire individuals, and their benefactors; and filing of appropriate charges if warranted by evidence. (PNA)
