ILOILO City – The observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day across Western Visayas remained generally peaceful, with no Undas-related incidents recorded as of 12 noon on November 2, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño attributed the favorable assessment to the sustained deployment of police personnel, heightened police visibility, and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the public.
While welcoming the zero-incident assessment during the November 1 and 2 observances, Tuaño stressed that police personnel must not be complacent while security operations remain ongoing.
“Our objective is to maintain the peaceful situation throughout Western Visayas until the conclusion of Undas. While we have not recorded any Undas-related incidents, this is not a reason for us to let our guard down. We must remain vigilant and ensure that our personnel are always ready to respond to any situation,” Tuaño said.
The region’s top cop noted that police deployment was not limited to cemeteries and memorial parks but also covered tourist destinations, major roads, transport terminals, and other public areas where large crowds were expected.
“We want the public to feel safe wherever they go, whether they are visiting their departed loved ones, traveling to tourist destinations, or returning to their respective hometowns. Our presence in these areas is intended to provide security, assistance, and immediate response whenever needed,” he added.
Police assistance desks (PADs) also remained operational to provide directions, information, and assistance to visitors, while regular patrols and security monitoring continued in strategic locations across the region.
Isolated Capiz shooting
Meanwhile, PRO-6 spokesperson Major Lailyn Sencil clarified that the early morning shooting incident in Jamindan, Capiz on November 1 was an isolated violence and not connected to the Undas observance.
Sencil said the incident should be treated separately from the region’s Undas security assessment, which monitors incidents directly associated with the annual observance.
The shooting occurred at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion, Jamindan, leaving an active Philippine Army soldier and two civilians injured.
Police identified the victims as Private “Ram,” 25, and two civilians known by their aliases “Josh,” 21, and “Al,” 24, all residents of Barangay Agambulong.
Initial investigations revealed that the victims were traveling aboard a motorcycle when they crossed paths with two men, one of whom was identified by police as “Mark.”
A heated confrontation reportedly ensued before one of the suspects allegedly opened fire, discharging his firearm three times toward the group.
Ram suffered a gunshot wound to his right foot while Al sustained injuries after allegedly being assaulted by the suspects. The third victim was also reported injured.
Following the attack, the two assailants escaped on a black motorcycle toward Mambusao, Capiz.
The wounded soldier was subsequently taken to Mambusao District Hospital for medical attention.
Police investigators recovered three empty shells of a caliber .45 firearm from the scene.
As of this writing, Jamindan police were continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and identify and apprehend the suspects./PN
