CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Showing a spirit of service, police officers from Central Luzon distributed rice and grocery packs to residents and communities on Sunday during the 53rd Martial Law Anniversary and the “Trillion-Peso March.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), in line with the 7 Focus Agenda of acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.—particularly the management of activities and events at all levels and effective crowd control.
While contingents were deployed to maintain order, other PRO3 personnel handed out food packs to both demonstrators and nearby families, offering a symbolic reminder that the police are not only guardians of peace but also partners in public service.
“We are not only here to maintain peace and order, but also to extend a hand of service to our fellow citizens. This is how we show that the police truly care for the community,” Peñones said.
The act provided a different angle to the usual perception of law enforcement during mass protests. Instead of a purely confrontational presence, the police took on a community-centered role, reinforcing their mandate of maximum tolerance while respecting the people’s right to free expression.
Community members welcomed the initiative, noting that it not only provided much-needed assistance but also reflected the police’s effort to build closer ties with the people. (UnliNews Online)
