BY MA. THEREESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has confirmed the transfer of 127 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in Western Visayas who have relatives running for elective positions in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky, PRO-6 director, said this move is part of a larger effort to maintain neutrality and prevent undue political influence within the police force.
These cops, Wanky said, have relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity who are running for various positions in the region. The transfer aims to prevent any potential bias or political favoritism during the election period.
In addition, the region’s top cop highlighted the progress of the PNP’s ongoing localization program, which allows police officers to be assigned to their home provinces.
“A total of 873 personnel have signified their intent to transfer to their respective localities. Of these, 194 have been granted transfers based on existing PNP guidelines and staffing patterns,” Wanky said.
The remaining personnel will be accommodated once new recruits complete their mandatory mobile unit duty assignments and are ready for deployment.
The localization program is seen as a way to strengthen community relationships and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement. However, Wanky emphasized the need to prevent police officers from becoming indebted to local politicians, especially in light of the approaching elections.
“We cannot discount the possibility that those reassigned through political intervention may feel utang na loob (debt of gratitude), which could lead to bias during the election. We are doing our best to ensure our police officers remain professional and enforce the law impartially, without fear or favor,” Wanky explained.
As part of the PNP’s broader strategy to ensure fair and peaceful elections, Wanky reminded anew all police officers in the region to remain apolitical.
“I once again urge our PNP personnel to maintain neutrality and help level the playing field during the election period. It is crucial that we uphold our duty to serve without interference from political interests,” he concluded./PN
