PRO3 GEARS UP FOR ‘UWAN,’ CONDUCTS SIMULTANEOUS DISASTER EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP CAPTAIN JULIAN OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) under the leadership of Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. on Saturday conducted simultaneous inspection of disaster response equipment at the PRO3 Parade Ground, this camp in anticipation of the Super Typhoon Uwan.

The activity forms part of PRO3’s proactive preparedness measures to ensure all search and rescue (SAR) tools, mobility assets, and communication systems are fully operational and ready for deployment. 

Among the inspected equipment were rescue boats, life vests, chainsaws, generators, floodlights, first-aid kits, and radio systems — essential assets for humanitarian and emergency operations throughout Central Luzon.

“Preparedness is not just a routine; it is part of our service to the people,” said Peñones.

“Every piece of equipment represents our commitment to respond swiftly and effectively, especially when lives are at stake,” he added.

The Central Luzon top cop also directed all provincial and city directors to coordinate closely with their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), conduct local inspections, and ensure that all response units remain in a state of full readiness and deployability.

Peñones reminded all units to activate their Risk Reduction Management Task Groups, prioritize the safety of their personnel and families, maintain close coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), RDRRMOs, National Government Agencies (NGAs), and local communities, and be prepared to undertake rescue, relief, and evacuation operations as needed.

“Managing risk begins with readiness. From leadership decisions to field response, preparedness must be consistent. When we anticipate, we save,” he emphasized.

He said the PRO3 continues to monitor weather developments and stands ready to augment resources wherever necessary.

The initiative supports the PNP Focused Agenda of acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly on Managing Risk at All Levels under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) framework, which underscores proactive disaster response, inter-agency coordination, and comprehensive public safety management.

Through continuous preparedness initiatives, PRO3 ensures that its personnel and resources remain ready for any emergency — a police force that stands firm, dependable, and responsive amid any storm.