CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) deployed about 10,000 of its personnel to ensure effective and efficient delivery of security coverage for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 in Central Luzon.
 
To optimize deployment and bolster security presence, those typically assigned to desk duties and educational pursuits have been reassigned to polling stations.
 
Regional Public Information Office Chief Police Major Aileen Rose Stanger said they will be augmented by about 1,430 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
 
“PRO 3 is undertaking comprehensive security measures in preparation for the upcoming election. These include the regular conduct of Security Coordinating Meetings, Regional Joint Security Control Center Meetings, round-the-clock Commission on Elections checkpoints, implementation of gun ban, and simulation exercises and drills,” she added.
 
Moreover, Stanger highlighted the conduct of the Interactive Engagement Policing (IEP) program, which is an initiative of PRO 3.
 
It involves the exchange of contact numbers between police officers and citizens for quicker reporting of incidents or complaints in any area in Central Luzon.
 
Stanger noted that IEP has proven to be effective, as many citizens have reached out to the police through the exchange of contact numbers, enabling a faster response from law enforcement with the community's assistance.
 
Based on their data, there were a total of 1,513 recorded Police Assistance/Response through IEP across the region from April 1 to October 22.
 
Meanwhile, Stanger urged voters to exercise their right responsibly by making informed choices and to report any irregularities or illegal activities they may witness through PRO 3 hotline numbers 0998-598-5330 and 0917-556-2597.
 
Individuals may also reach out through the Police Regional Office 3 Facebook page or coordinate through the contact numbers provided by IEP for immediate action. (CLJD/MAECR-PIA 3)