Police Ramp Up Security Measures in Iloilo Ahead of Major Events and Summer Travel
In a proactive move to ensure public safety, police authorities in Western Visayas have launched extensive security preparations in Passi City, Iloilo, as the region gears up for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2026 and the implementation of the Ligtas Sumvac 2026 campaign. These efforts aim to safeguard travelers and residents during the bustling summer season and Holy Week period.
Heightened Security Operations Across the Region
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), announced that security operations have been intensified in anticipation of increased travel and major events. The PRO 6 is deploying nearly 500 personnel specifically for the WVRAA Meet 2026, scheduled from March 17 to March 23, 2026, in Passi City, to maintain order and protect participants.
Ligan emphasized the importance of public confidence during this time, stating, "We want the public to travel and celebrate with confidence. Our personnel are fully prepared to respond to any situation to ensure everyone’s safety and security during the summer vacation and Holy Week. With vigilance and cooperation from the community, we can ensure a peaceful and worry-free holiday for all."
Comprehensive Security Measures and Deployment
The heightened security measures will be in effect from March 29 to May 31, 2026, covering key periods such as Holy Week, Philippine Veterans Week, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Flores de Mayo, and various fiestas. Police personnel will be strategically stationed in critical areas including:
- Churches and religious sites
- Transport terminals, seaports, and airports
- Major highways and tourist destinations
- Other crowded public spaces
Additionally, Police Assistance Desks will be established to provide immediate aid to travelers, while patrol operations, checkpoints, and intelligence monitoring will be ramped up to deter criminal activities. The Regional Highway Patrol Unit will assign road safety marshals and conduct inspections at bus terminals and transportation hubs to enhance road safety.
Focused Security for WVRAA Meet 2026 in Passi City
For the WVRAA Meet 2026, approximately 500 security personnel from multiple agencies have been deployed in Passi City. This force includes members from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Western Visayas (RMFB 6), Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Passi City Canine Unit, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
The deployment was formalized during a Send-Off Ceremony and Blessing of Security Forces on March 15, 2026, attended by Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares. Mayor Palmares highlighted the strong collaboration between police and local government in ensuring a secure sporting event. Security forces are tasked with protecting student-athletes, officials, and spectators, while promoting values of discipline, sportsmanship, and unity among youth participants.
Coordinated Efforts and Public Reminders
The PRO 6 reported that coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and stakeholders remains robust to support the successful conduct of WVRAA 2026 and summer activities. Authorities have reminded the public to stay vigilant by securing homes before traveling, adhering to traffic regulations, and reporting suspicious activities promptly. For assistance, individuals can dial 911 or contact local police stations and PRO 6 hotlines.
With all necessary measures in place, the PRO 6 assures residents and visitors of Western Visayas that their safety is a top priority during this period of increased travel and major public gatherings.
