(Photo courtesy of PRO-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has distributed new operational equipment to police units across the region to strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response and law enforcement capabilities.
PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio led Tuesday’s turnover of logistical and operational equipment to regional and provincial police units.
The Regional Headquarters Support Unit received a dump truck and chainsaws, while the Regional Intelligence Division was provided with a Starlink satellite internet unit and a DJI drone to improve communication, aerial monitoring and surveillance operations.
The Albay and Sorsogon police provincial offices and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion received eight generator sets and specialized equipment, including battering rams, bolt cutters and ballistic shields.
Meanwhile, the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit received 10 mobile phones to serve as alternative recording devices during police operations, supporting documentation and accountability.
The turnover also included 10 television sets for designated custodial facilities and two laminating machines for administrative requirements.
Silvio emphasized the importance of providing Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units with protective gear and specialized tools to improve operational readiness.
“We provided them with these to ensure they are ready whenever they need to enter a premises during police operations. We also noticed that they previously lacked shields, so we really need to equip them. We will do this gradually,” Silvio said.
He explained that the dump truck would address waste management and hauling requirements at the regional headquarters, particularly as some existing equipment had become unusable.
“Our garbage bins were already filling up so I said, we should prioritize getting a dump truck that we could use. We already have waste bins in place, but some of our existing equipment is already beyond economic repair,” he added.
Alongside the equipment distribution, PRO-5 launched Project KASUROG “Padaba Ko, Padabaon Mo,” a fundraising initiative supporting police personnel, their dependents and young beneficiaries through Project YABHA and the KASUROG Damayan Program.
The initiative encourages police commissioned officers to donate pre-loved clothing, footwear, bags, books, accessories and household essentials.
Donated items will be sold during fundraising activities every Tuesday and Thursday, with proceeds allocated to the two welfare programs.
“This is a fundraising activity involving contributions from our personnel. You may have belongings that you have treasured for many years, but perhaps it is time to donate them,” Silvio said.
He added that the Officers’ Ladies Club would help sell the donated items to raise additional funds for the children of police personnel enrolled in the assistance programs.
Silvio encouraged more personnel and potential donors to participate, stressing that contributions, regardless of amount, could help support police families facing financial difficulties.
The initiatives form part of PRO-5’s efforts to improve operational readiness while strengthening welfare assistance for police personnel and their dependents.
