ILOILO City – As the new academic year begins today, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has ramped up security measures across schools and universities in Western Visayas to ensure the safety of returning students.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director, confirmed that maximum police deployment has been ordered to safeguard students, particularly newcomers, from potential criminal activities.
Officers will be stationed in strategic locations such as school vicinities, transportation hubs, and major thoroughfares.
“All unit commanders, from provincial to municipal levels, have been directed to ensure a safe and orderly opening of classes,” said Wanky.
He emphasized that law enforcement operations would be intensified to deter crime and thwart any disruptive activities by lawless elements.
In addition to routine patrols, police presence will be bolstered through both mobile and foot patrols, along with the deployment of detective patrollers in specific areas.
Wanky also noted that coordination with school authorities and local government units has been established to manage traffic effectively and maintain public safety.
Local traffic enforcement units will assist in managing vehicular flow around educational institutions to prevent congestion.
Furthermore, barangay officials, tanod members, and other community force multipliers will collaborate with the police to maintain peace and order within their respective areas.
“We count on our community partners to extend their full cooperation. Together, we aim to guarantee that the start of the academic year is both peaceful and orderly,” Wanky added.
He also urged parents, students, and the public to remain vigilant and plan their travel routes to avoid traffic-heavy areas./PN
