Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan (center) personally supervises security setup during the Sinulog Festival in this file photo. Maranan said Friday (Jan. 24, 2025) said the public is assured of the non-partisan stance of the Central Visayas police force during the May 12 midterm polls. (Photo courtesy of PRO-7)
CEBU CITY – The top police official in Central Visayas on Friday assured the public of a non-partisan stance in connection with the May 12 elections.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, said they are focused on a strengthened campaign against loose firearms.
“PRO-7 maintains a neutral and nonpartisan stance throughout the electoral process, prioritizing public safety. This PRO continues to implement new and effective anti-crime strategies, particularly targeting loose firearms,” Maranan said in a statement.
“As the 2025 National and Local Elections approach, the goal is to achieve a safer Central Visayas, aiming for zero gun-related crimes.”
PRO-7 Regional Monitoring Action Center data showed that from Jan. 12 to 20, a total of 35 individuals have been arrested and an equal number of unregistered firearms have been seized.
Among the confiscated items were 13 pistols and 22 revolvers, along with various types of ammunition.
A total of 3,591 joint checkpoints have been established since Jan. 12 in collaboration with the region’s election offices and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Maranan said the strategic, spot mobile, border control, and combined police-military checkpoints aim to foster a fair and secure election environment. (PNA)