CEBU CITY – A brazen attack rocked Central Visayas in March last year when Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo was killed by heavily armed in his home in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
The Police Regional Office-Central Office (PRO-7) was bombarded with queries by local, national, and even international media which scampered to gather timely and accurate information.
POLICE Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare says his job as Police Regional Office-7 spokesman is challenging and a privilege. (Calvin Cordova)
It was during that time that Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare realized that being entrusted with the task to deal with reporters isn’t easy.
“That was my first test mission and that was a very big case. I learned a lot from that experience. By far, that was the most challenging because it caught the attention of not only the national media but also the international media,” Pelare said.
At that time, Pelare was the spokesperson of then PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Jerry Bearis. When Bearis was relieved, Pelare was still appointed by current PRO-7 regional director Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin as his spokesperson.
As a spokesperson, Pelare has become very visible in news items. He, however, pointed out that being a spokesperson is not easy as it appears.
“This is a very challenging job because I should be able to talk on behalf of RD in a manner that will reflect his thoughts,” said Pelare.
Pelare said that to become an effective spokesperson, he has to make sure that the information on certain issues that he provides to the media reflects the sentiments of Aberin and the entire PRO-7.
“It becomes easier because our RD is adhering to that mantra of going back to basics. That’s what he always says so it’s not difficult to read his mind, his position on issues. I know what would be the position of RD because of his principle that we just go back to the basics which are adherence to the rules of law, adherence to the police operational procedure so it’s not difficult to read his mind,” Pelare said.
While he admits that his task is something that is unenviable, Pelare said he also considers it a big privilege.
“Because I am speaking on behalf of the regional director makes it a very challenging job for me but at the same time, I’m very honored and privileged for the trust and confidence he has given to me,” Pelare said.
Pelare isn’t just an ordinary police officer. A member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class 2007, the 39-year-old Pelare is also a certified lawyer after he passed the Bar in 2016.
He said being a lawyer has helped him a lot in performing his duties as an alter ego.
“It is a big help that I am also a lawyer because I’m aware of the laws that will govern the exchange of information. I also have extensive research on the policies of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that I have to remember when I talk to the media. As a lawyer, I know what to say and what not to say when facing the media because there are libelous statements that I should also be very watchful,” Pelare said.
“I always adhere to what is legal to share. There is some information that I’m not at liberty to mention because it’s not validated or no cases have been filed yet. For example, for arrested persons even if they are arrested suspects, they have rights under the law and there is a presumption of innocence that I need to always bear in mind,” Pelare added.
As a spokesperson, being articulate alone is not enough. Pelare makes it a point that he is aware of current issues especially when it involves policemen.
“Because the challenge that the PNP is facing now is the negative perception. I make sure, when I face the media, I have the facts with me. I have thoroughly researched the matter or the issue at hand and of course I am being assisted by a brilliant team in PIO (Public Information Office) which gives me the relevant information. I also need to have the presence of mind because some of the questions of the media require very intelligent answers also,” he said.
As a police officer, Pelare has held various positions already, including being a station chief. Wherever his profession brings him, Pelare says he always gives his best shot.
“My heart and mind is for public service especially in the police service because my grandfather and father were former police officers. The blood that runs through my vein is that of a police officer,” said Pelare.
Pelare’s effort to become a role model policeman paid off when he was named as the Most Outstanding Filipino by the Metrobank Foundation in 2021.
Fulfilling his sworn duty to the best of his ability is Pelare’s way of giving back to an organization that made him what he is today.
“Dako kog utang kabubuton sa PNP (I have an eternal debt to the PNP). The PNP made me a lawyer and the PNP gave me a lot of opportunities. So what I have in mind always is to pay back and paying back is through doing my job well, contributing significantly to the PNP,” Pelare said.