Manila: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) continues to strengthen its community-based policing by training additional personnel for the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program. In a media interview, PRO-6 Acting Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o acknowledged that the personnel assigned to the program usually focused on health, medical, dental, and community affairs infrastructure. 'Their number one role is public safety, law enforcement, internal security operations, and disaster response,' he said.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tua±o said he has yet to meet them for new directions, but in the meantime, they will continue with their usual tasks. In the next few days, program participants will be deployed to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas for their new direction. The Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program kicked off its training last week to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and proper mindset needed for barangay-level peace and order operations.

Meanwhile, Tua±o said the regional office is ready to send assistance to Mindanao areas that were affected by the 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday morning once there is an order from higher headquarters. He said it is also expected from other regional offices and the central headquarters of the Philippine National Police to send assistance once PRO-6 is also in need.