ILOILO City – Nearly 3,000 police personnel across Western Visayas still lack the driving skills needed to operate patrol cars and motorcycles, exposing a significant gap in police mobility and operational readiness that the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is moving to address through a regionwide training initiative.
PRO-6 data as of September 2026 showed that 2,920 of the region’s 7,631 police personnel, or approximately 38.3 percent, still needed driving instruction, raising concerns over their ability to operate vehicles assigned to their units.
Of the 2,920 personnel, 2,023 needed training in driving four-wheeled vehicles, while another 897 required instruction in motorcycle operation.
In Iloilo City alone, 76 police personnel were identified as needing additional driving instruction, prompting PRO-6 to launch a training program next week to improve their driving capabilities and strengthen police operational efficiency.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said he had discussed the implementation of the Defensive Driving, Maintenance and Services Skills Training program with Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Colonel Wilbert Parilla.
“We want our police personnel to be capable of operating the vehicles assigned to their units. This is important so they can perform their duties more effectively while observing road safety,” Tuaño said.
The training initiative seeks to address a critical operational concern within the police organization, where personnel who cannot operate patrol vehicles may face limitations in carrying out duties requiring mobility.
Driving proficiency is particularly important in police operations involving emergency response, patrol deployment, crime prevention and other law enforcement activities requiring the use of vehicles.
Tuaño said PRO-6 was coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide the necessary instruction to police personnel who have yet to acquire the required driving skills.
The initiative follows the directive of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla for police officers to learn how to operate vehicles assigned to their respective units.
Beyond basic driving proficiency, the program will emphasize defensive driving techniques, vehicle maintenance and responsible road behavior to minimize accidents and protect both police personnel and the public.
“Driving is not just about knowing how to operate a vehicle. Our personnel must also understand defensive driving, vehicle maintenance and their responsibility to protect themselves and the public while on the road,” Tuaño said.
The training is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of police personnel by equipping them with practical skills necessary for the safe and efficient use of patrol vehicles.
Tuaño stressed that police officers must demonstrate discipline and responsibility behind the wheel, particularly because their duties require them to uphold public safety both in law enforcement operations and while traveling on public roads./PN
