BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO CITY — Following the threatening statements of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said it would be ramping up security measures should President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visit Western Visayas for engagements.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director, said safeguarding the President and the First Family remains a top priority.
Duterte-Carpio disclosed early Saturday, November 23, that she had instructed a trusted individual to get back at the President, the First Lady, and House Speaker Ferdinand “Martin” Romualdez in the event of her assassination.
“‘Pag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez,” Duterte-Carpio said, recounting her conversation. She confirmed that the person agreed to carry out the directive.
In response, Wanky assured the public of PRO-6’s readiness to deploy additional personnel and resources to ensure the safety of the President and his family.
“We fully support the call to enhance the protection of the President amid any potential threats,” he said.
The regional police force has a comprehensive security plan for the President’s frequent visits to Western Visayas, where he participates in various official activities.
Wanky said the PRO-6 remains in close coordination with the Presidential Security Group to secure all events involving the First Family.
The Vice President’s controversial remarks came amid tensions surrounding the attempted transfer of her Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff and undersecretary, Zuleika Lopez, from a detention facility in the House of Representatives to the Correctional Institute for Women./PN
