ANTIQUE: The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is gearing up for the 2025 National and Local Elections by intensifying collaboration with various government agencies, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec), as the election period approaches. The preparations come in addition to the police's regular duties of maintaining peace, order, and public safety across the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Angelo Pueblos, the officer in charge of APPO, stated that the police force is actively coordinating with Comelec, with the election period and gun ban set to commence on January 12. In preparation, APPO is seeking personnel augmentation from the Police Regional Office 6, as the current force of 1,075 officers falls short of the 1,775 needed for effective deployment across the province's 18 municipalities during the election.

Pueblos highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), municipal DRRMOs, and volunteer groups, which proved instrumental in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election on October 30, 2023. The APPO plans to request similar support for the upcoming elections.

The identification of specific municipalities as areas of concern remains pending, as validation processes are yet to be conducted. A Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting is expected to be scheduled early in the year to address this and other election-related preparations.

Lt. Col. Pueblos also made an appeal to local political aspirants, urging them to respect the democratic process. "The APPO wishes for a peaceful election in 2025," he said, encouraging candidates to adhere to Comelec resolutions and avoid engaging in prohibited activities during the election period.