Iloilo City: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO6) has mobilized 1,528 uniformed personnel as part of security preparations for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections in the region. PRO6 director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky announced that this augmentation force will be dispatched to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office and the Antique Police Provincial Office.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Wanky emphasized the critical role of the Philippine National Police during this period to ensure the success of both national and local elections. He stated that the mission would present challenges as personnel leave their homes and defer routine duties. Wanky urged the police to remain apolitical and focused on their responsibilities.

In a recent press conference, Wanky indicated that other provincial offices have sufficient personnel and do not require additional support. The Commission on Elections mandates at least two personnel per voting center, and at the regional headquarters, 70 to 80 percent of uniformed staff have been deployed to secure 2,854 voting centers across Western Visayas.

The augmentation force comprises officers from the Iloilo City Police Office, Guimaras Police Provincial Office, national support units, and recalled recruits and personnel on schooling. Wanky reassured that the regional headquarters is fully prepared, with the accounting of personnel marking one of their final preparatory steps.

The region anticipates 1,944,436 registered voters at 7,337 polling precincts, with the goal of achieving zero crime incidents during the election period. Wanky affirmed that they are fully ready to fulfill their election mandate.