After claiming award, Ilonggo cop proposes to girlfriend during PNP's Foundation Day
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY—The Western Visayas regional celebration for the 30th Foundation Day of the Philippine National Police (PNP) turned special when a cop proposed to his longtime girlfriend.

Police Captain Paul Vincent Pendon proposed to Hazel Joy Grate before a crowd during the February 1 celebration at Camp Delgado, the regional headquarters of Police Regional Office (PRO-6) in Iloilo City.
“My plan to propose was supposed to be private, but I also wanted to express my love for her,” Pendon told Manila Bulletin.
Pendon was able to pull off the wedding proposal as he was one of the PNP’s regional awardees.
“We are still both overwhelmed and I think she’s still in shock,” Pendon added.
The 29-year-old cop from Pototan town, Iloilo province said he also chose to propose on February 1 as it marked the day he met the 28-year-old Grate in 2012 while a freshman student at West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City.
Pendon recalled there were challenges in initially getting to know Grate, who hailed from neighboring New Lucena town, when he went to Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Cavite province. Their relationship only grew after Pendon graduated and went back to Western Visayas.
The couple plans to tie the knot this year. But if the pandemic persists, Pendon said they might move the wedding ceremony next year.
“I hope we can start a family soon and she’ll be able to join me wherever I’ll be assigned as a police officer,” Pendon added.