LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) has readied 1,000 personnel from its CARE (Crowd Management Advanced Reactionary Force Engagement) contingent as standby support for security operations during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) Monday, July 27.
In a statement, PRO-5 spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the personnel are prepared for immediate deployment to Metro Manila, particularly in Quezon City, where the SONA will be held, should additional support from regional police units be needed to ensure the smooth and safe implementation of security measures.
“We are prepared to deploy the 1,000 police personnel. We are just waiting for instructions from our central office if additional support is needed,” she said.
Calubaquib said other CARE personnel remain on heightened alert to maintain peace and order throughout the Bicol region.
“They are assigned to provide security and immediate response to any incident related to the expected gatherings and activities in the Bicol region,” she added.
She noted that the contingents are part of the Bicol Shield Initiative, which aims to strengthen the police force's preparedness, capabilities, and rapid response for major events, not only within the region but also in neighboring areas that may need reinforcement.
“Through coordinated operations and continuous readiness of the police force, PRO-5 remains committed to ensuring security, order, and public safety at all times,” Calubaquib said.
PRO-5 assured Bicolanos that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the President's SONA while maintaining uninterrupted police services and public safety throughout the region.
The public was urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement authorities, and immediately report any suspicious persons, activities, or incidents to the nearest police station or through the police emergency hotlines. (PNA)