The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) has undertaken significant initiatives to bolster law enforcement and public safety across the region. From March 11 to 16, 2026, the agency conducted a dual-focused program in Iloilo City and Boracay Island, Aklan, combining the recognition of exemplary police personnel with specialized training aimed at enhancing tourist-oriented policing.
Recognition of Outstanding Police Personnel
On March 16, 2026, Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan presided over the Traditional Monday Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony at the PRO 6 Multi-Purpose Hall in Camp General Martin Teofilo B. Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City. During the event, Ligan commended the dedication of police personnel, highlighting their sustained efforts in combating illegal drugs, arresting wanted persons, cracking down on loose firearms, and addressing illegal gambling and other criminal activities.
Award Recipients and Their Achievements
The Medalya ng Kadakilaan was awarded to Police Lieutenant Vincent Garcia Jr. and Police Master Sergeant Charles Losaria from the Lambunao Municipal Police Station under the Iloilo Police Provincial Office. They were recognized for their successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Tranghawan, Lambunao, Iloilo, which led to the arrest of two high-value individuals and the seizure of approximately 186.6456 grams of shabu.
Meanwhile, the Medalya ng Kagalingan was conferred on Police Lieutenant Luisito Concepcion and Police Master Sergeant Racel Miaral of the Batan Municipal Police Station under the Aklan Police Provincial Office. They were honored for serving a warrant of arrest against the sixth Regional Most Wanted Person, who faced two counts of rape, on March 2, 2026, in Batan, Aklan.
Another Medalya ng Kagalingan was presented to Police Captain Mary Iris Nobleza, a forensic chemist with the Regional Forensic Unit in Western Visayas. She was recognized for her critical role in examining 607.5075 grams of confiscated illegal drugs submitted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office.
The awarding ceremony was attended by members of the PRO 6 Command Group, regional chiefs of National Support Units, and both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, underscoring the organization's commitment to acknowledging excellence in police service.
Specialized Training for Tourist-Oriented Policing
In a separate development, the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (Topcop) Seminar – 1st Batch for calendar year 2026 was conducted from March 11 to 14, 2026, at Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay. This training involved 50 personnel from the Malay Municipal Police Station and was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Alain Terence Licdan, chief of the Malay MPS.
Focus on Boracay Island Security
The seminar aimed to strengthen tourist-oriented policing in Boracay Island, one of the Philippines' premier tourist destinations. Participants engaged in lectures covering tourism awareness, cultural sensitivity, tourist behavior patterns, and effective police operations in tourism-heavy areas. The training emphasized professionalism, proper investigative procedures, and service-oriented policing to better address tourism-related concerns while maintaining peace and order.
The activity concluded with a familiarization tour across Boracay Island, allowing participants to identify key tourist areas and assess strategic locations where police visibility and security measures are essential. Police officials stated that initiatives like the Topcop seminar are designed to enhance the capability and readiness of police personnel in Western Visayas, ensuring that tourist destinations remain safe while delivering responsive and professional public service.
