CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) turned over P12.2 million worth of patrol vehicles to 10 municipal police stations under the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office on March 18.

Each of the police stations in Laguindingan, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Naawan, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, and Villanueva received a troop carrier-type Toyota Hi-lux patrol vehicle.

"With these, our law enforcement officers will be better equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies, deter criminal activities, and maintain a visible presence in our neighborhoods," said Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes, PNP director for logistics.

He added that these vehicles are not just means of transportation but are symbols of the protection and dedication of the police force to serve and protect.

"These are more than just vehicles; they represent a tangible commitment to the well-being of our citizens in pursuit of justice. In a world where challenges and uncertainties persist, the importance of a strong and equipped police force cannot be overstated," Reyes said.

He emphasized the significance of logistics alongside vehicles within the PNP, saying that while vehicles are crucial, equal attention must be given to logistics, which serves as the backbone of police operations. Without adequate logistics, operational mobility is hindered. Thus, he underscored the importance of prioritizing equipment alongside other operational necessities.

Each municipal police station commander who received the patrol vehicles were accompanied by their respective mayors.

PRO-10 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug, Jr. said, “These vehicles will be put to good use as we work fervently and respond swiftly to reports of crime and other emergencies to ensure the safety of the people here in northern Mindanao.”

He added that the activity underscores PRO-10’s commitment to excellence and efficiency in addressing peace and order and the tight criminality campaign to effectively deliver the best police services to the people with appropriate logistics.

For his part, Manticao Mayor Stephen Tan said, "Akong pagpasalamat sa PNP, kang Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., ug Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente "Bambi" Emano sa ilang pagdungog sa atong request kay dako kaayo ni og ikatabang sa atong lungsod in maintaining peace and order."

[My gratitude to the PNP, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente "Bambi" Emano for hearing and granting our request, as this will be of big help to our municipality in maintaining peace and order.]

Tan said that while this is a welcome development, the municipality still needs more and that he will continue to lobby for more requests to keep Manticao safe and peaceful. (SAYU/PIA-10)