EVERY SECOND MATTERS: TIMELY POLICE RESPONSE NOW A STANDARD IN PRO3’S FRONTLINE OPERATIONS

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga —Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said every second matters when public safety is at stake.

Peñones, in acknowledging how vital real-time communication is to effective policing, earlier distributed handheld radios across police units in Central Luzon.

The distribution of handheld radios was in support of PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s leadership pillar — swift and responsive public service — through strengthened communication systems and enhanced frontline coordination.

Peñones also said the effort goes beyond simply providing equipment — it is about ensuring that officers on the ground are connected, responsive, and ready to act when every second matters.

“We do not just equip our personnel for compliance—we prepare them for real-world response,” the Central Luzon top cop said.

“Our goal is to make sure every police officer in the field has what they need to respond quickly and effectively because time is critical when public safety is at stake,” he added.

Peñones also ordered the regular conduct of Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) and Communication Exercises (COMEX) to ensure that personnel are not only equipped but also trained to meet the five-minute response time target of  the PRO3.

He has been personally leading field visits, assessing deployment strategies, and validating visibility on the ground. 

His proactive presence underscores his belief that fast service must be paired with leadership that is equally quick to act and quick to respond.

Peñones stressed that through these efforts, PRO3 not only upholds but embodies the principle of swift and responsive public service—delivering results that matter to communities, when it matters most.