SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—The La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) concluded its 29th Police Community Relations (PCR) month celebration by honoring police units, individuals, and stakeholders who contributed to its law enforcement campaign in an awarding ceremony held at Camp Diego Silang here recently.
This year’s PCR month celebration, carrying the theme “Ligtas ka sa Bagong Pilipinas,” aims to acknowledge the contributions of the Philippine National Police (PNP), especially in the unified response to maintain peace and security.
This also highlights the sacrifices of the PNP personnel, particularly in manning checkpoints and conducting visibility patrols.
In his message, LUPPO Provincial Director PCOL Dante Lubos, represented by PLTCOL Alejandro Pagar, Jr., assistant provincial director, commended their personnel and partners for their unending support and contributions.
“I salute our personnel who serve as role models to others and exemplify the spirit of cooperation necessary to bridge gaps among the police and community towards a common ground. With our commitment to fostering crime- and drug-free communities, we are amplifying the continued collaboration from one another to create a safe and secure environment for work, residence, and business operations in our dear province,” he added.
As he graced the event, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC) Chancellor Dr. Eduardo Corpuz emphasized the importance of continuous support for police-community relations activities in the province.
“To the workforce of La Union police with the different police stations within the province and force commanders, your tireless efforts in maintaining peace and order are the backbone of our community, your sacrifices and dedication to serving the people are truly inspiring,” Corpuz said.
LUPPO recognized the San Juan Municipal Police Station (MPS) as the best performing PNP unit in PCR operations; the 2nd La Union Police Mobile Force Company (LUPMFC) as the most outstanding provincial MPC; and police stations in Bacnotan, San Juan, Santo Tomas, and Tubao were regarded as the best performing PNP units in drug clearing operations due to their indispensable efforts in combating illegal drugs, which resulted in the declaration of their respective areas as “drug-free municipalities.”
Awards were also given to PLTCOL Benjie Daireu Umalla of 2nd LUPMFC as Most Outstanding Senior Police Commissioned Officer; PCPT Emeterio Gagni, Jr., officer-in-charge of Bagulin MPS as Most Outstanding Junior Police Commissioned Officer; and PSSG Marlon Claustro, assistant police community relations-police non-commissioned officer (PCR-PNCO) of San Fernando City PS and PCPL Regine Quiban PCR-PNCO of Agoo MPS as Most Outstanding Junior PNCOs.
“This award is not just a symbol of my great accomplishments. Rather, this is the fruit [of labor] of all the personnel of Bagulin Police Station who have shown their passion and commitment in showcasing their best practices in serving the people of our town,” PCPT Gagni said.
Stakeholders from Lighthouse Baptist Church, Haven Bible Baptist Church, La Union Ilocos Baguio Benguet Riders Alliance (LIBRA) Inc., La Union Vibrant Riders (LUVR), Motorcycle Community Organization for Peace and Security Inc. (MCOPS), DMMMSU-MLUC, and Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon, Inc., among others, were also recognized for their invaluable support and involvement in the conduct of various PCR programs and activities of LUPPO that immensely contributed to peace and development.
As per Presidential Proclamation No. 764, which was signed on January 24, 2005, the month of July every year is declared PCR Month, which is an opportune time to strengthen community participation in preventing crimes.
It also forges strong partnerships and community support for sustaining the peace and public safety programs of the PNP. (AMB/KJCR/PIA La Union)
