MARAWI CITY (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) turned over 41 new patrol vehicles to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), marking a significant milestone in improving the mobility and operational readiness of law enforcement in Lanao del Sur.
The vehicles, which are all-terrain 4×4 personnel carriers, were procured with the support of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The official turnover ceremony, held on Thursday, February 20, at the Marawi Convention Center, was graced by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who underscored the importance of the new vehicles in strengthening public safety and promoting the well-being of communities in the region.
In her speech, Pangandaman highlighted that procuring these all-terrain vehicles was a vital step towards ensuring the people’s safety, particularly considering the frequent afternoon rains in the province.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga vehicles na ito, mas mapapaigting natin ang pagpapatupad ng mandato ng ating mga kapulisan na itaguyod ang kapayapaan, kaayusan at kapakanan ng bawat bayan. These PNP personnel vehicles will be distributed here in Marawi City and to all other local government units and municipalities here in Lanao del Sur,” she said.
Pangandaman also cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s message, emphasizing that a unified commitment to protecting the public and upholding the rule of law is key to achieving a secure and empowered “Bagong Pilipinas.”
She hoped that the new patrol vehicles would help increase police visibility, reduce crime rates, and enhance response capabilities during emergencies.
PRO-BAR Regional Director PBGen. Romeo Macapaz conveyed his gratitude for the timely donation, recognizing the significant impact the vehicles will have on PROBAR’s operational capacity.
“We are privileged to receive these 41 additional personnel carrier vehicles, 40 of which are here at Lanao del Sur. This is a significant boost to our mobility and operational readiness. These assets align with our capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that PROBAR remains agile, responsive, and fully equipped to meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement in our region,” Macapaz stated.
He further emphasized that the turnover of these vehicles demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering commitment to supporting the region’s law enforcement initiatives, which include special operations, internal security operations, civil disturbance management, relief efforts, and combating terrorism and criminality.
We assure you that, here in the Bangsamoro region, the PNP remains disciplined, united, and fully committed to advancing the government’s vision of stability, progress, safety, and lasting peace for our people,” he affirmed.
Police Captain Esnairah Lucman, Chief of Police of Bacolod Kalawi, expressed her gratitude for the new vehicles, highlighting their significance in securing the community, particularly during the election season.
“Malaking blessing ito para sa amin para magampanan namin ang aming tungkulin. Higit sa lahat, kailangan talaga namin ito ngayong eleksyon para mesecure natin ang ating komunidad at maramdaman na present kami, visible kami. May eleksyon man o wala, nandiyan ang presensya namin,” she expressed.
(This is a great blessing for us to fulfill our duties effectively. More importantly, it helps ensure the security of our community and reinforces our presence. Whether during elections or not, we are here to serve and protect.)
Local chief executives from across the province also attended the turnover ceremony, underscoring the importance of the new patrol vehicles in strengthening collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local government units.
With these new vehicles, the PNP is better equipped to uphold law and order, ensuring a safer environment for the people of Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro region. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
