LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) has intensified its security efforts to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the electoral process as the official campaign period for local candidates kick off on March 28, 2025.
PRO-CAR Regional Director PBGen. David Peredo Jr. directed all unit commanders to heighten security particularly in towns identified as areas of concern.
Peredo said that personnel deployed to strategic areas, and security operations have been strengthened, including the establishment of checkpoints, increased monitoring of major roads and public spaces, intensified patrolling, increased police visibility, and the establishment of police assistance desks.
“Our priority is to uphold public safety and preserve the integrity of the elections. We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and fair democratic process through continuous, proactive security measures, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard the rights of every citizen throughout the electoral process,” he stated.
Peredo said they are closely coordinating with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other law enforcement agencies, local government units, and other key stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective security strategy.
Amid the recent surge of shooting incidents in Abra, the PRO CAR assured that decisive actions are being taken to address the situation.
“We recognize the impact of these violent incidents on public safety and security, and we assure the people of Abra that we are taking decisive action to address the peace and order concerns in the province. As part of our immediate response, PRO CAR has directed the Abra Police Provincial Office (PPO) to intensify security measures as additional forces were deployed to augment the troops thereat,” PRO-CAR said in a statement.
PLColonel Joel Dumar of the Provincial Operations and Management Unit of the Abra PPO confirmed that there are now 32 Quick Response Teams of the PNP in the province, up from the seven in January.
Dumar said that these teams will keep a watch of any untoward incidents in their designated areas in addition to the regular police officers assigned at municipal police stations. The PNP prioritizes deploying personnel in areas under the orange and yellow categories.
As recommended by the Regional Joint Security Control Command, three towns of Abra are placed under orange category, namely; Bangued, Bucay and Pilar while the municipalities Dolores, Lagayan, Pidigan, Tayum, Lagangilang, Lagayan and Tineg are under yellow category due to history of election-related incidents and intense political rivalry.
From January 12, 2025 to March 24, 2025, the PNP recorded a total of 13 shooting incidents in Abra.
The police officials are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through PRO CAR’s official hotlines and social media channels.
They stressed that public participation is crucial in maintaining peace and security, urging everyone to be proactive partners in ensuring a safe and orderly election.
“The Philippine National Police remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Abra. We call on everyone to support our efforts in maintaining peace in the province.” (JDP/RMC & CAGT- PIA CAR)
