TACLOBAN CITY – As part of its intensified security measures for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) deployed 88 personnel under the Regional Special Operations Task Group-LEYSA (RSOTG-LEYSA) to key areas in Leyte’s 4th district on Thursday, March 27.
A send-off ceremony was held in Palompon, Leyte, marking the beginning of heightened security operations aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful election in Eastern Visayas.
PB/Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, underscored the importance of strategic deployment in maintaining peace and order during the electoral process.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to safe and secure elections. By strategically positioning our personnel and resources, we aim to deter potential threats, enhance security operations, and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests not only on law enforcement but also on the collective vigilance of the community,” he said.
The deployed personnel will be stationed across six municipalities—Palompon, Isabel, Merida, Matag-ob, Albuera, and Kananga—where they will man fixed control points, checkpoints, and key entry-exit areas to ensure heightened security.
Shooting incidents which sometimes led to death have been reported in these areas, some involving political leaders of political leaders.
To further enhance law enforcement capabilities, two SWAT teams from Albuera have been reassigned to Palompon as a Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), ready to respond to high-risk situations requiring specialized intervention.
Additionally, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-8) has deployed a Mobile Response Vehicle (MRV) to improve mobility and provide immediate response to any security concerns in the district.
Cumigad urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain peace and security during the elections. He also reminded deployed personnel of their critical role in protecting democracy.
“To our personnel, this mission is of great significance. You are not only securing our communities but also safeguarding the foundation of our democracy. Serve with professionalism and unwavering dedication. Let us work together for a safer and more peaceful Eastern Visayas,” he emphasized.
The campaign period for those seeking local elective posts officially starts on Friday, March 28.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
