The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is preparing for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) while continuing to ensure peace and public safety across the province. In an interview at the APPO Headquarters in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Lt. Col. Angelo Pueblos, the officer in charge, emphasized their collaboration with various government agencies, notably the Commission on Elections (Comelec), as the election period and gun ban are set to commence on January 12, 2025.
Pueblos highlighted the need for additional manpower, stating that they have requested the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 for extra personnel to bolster their forces. Currently, the APPO has 1,075 police officers, but they require an additional 700 to adequately cover the 18 municipalities during the elections.
Reflecting on past experiences, particularly the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election held on October 30, 2023, Pueblos acknowledged the significant support from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Municipal DRRMOs, and volunteer groups. He plans to seek their assistance again to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
Pueblos mentioned that they are still in the process of identifying and validating the municipalities that will be designated as areas of concern in Antique. A Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting is scheduled early this year to finalize these validations and other election preparations.
In his appeal to local political candidates, Pueblos urged them to respect the will of the electorate and adhere to Comelec regulations, emphasizing the APPO’s desire for a peaceful 2025 election.