CATBALOGAN CITY – Just three days before the 2025 National and Local Elections, Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, personally visited Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) on May 9, 2025, to assess the region’s security readiness and strengthen coordination among law enforcement leaders in Eastern Visayas.
Accompanied by Police Major General Nicolas S. Salvador, Director for Operations, PGen. Marbil was warmly received by the officers and personnel of PRO 8, led by Regional Director PBGen. Jay R. Cumigad, along with other key officials.
In addition to election-related matters, the CPNP led the blessing and inauguration of two new facilities inside Camp Ruperto Kangleon: the newly expanded Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, a sacred space for spiritual growth and moral strengthening; and the newly constructed PRO 8 Grandstand, which will serve as a venue for official functions and public gatherings.
Following the ceremonies, a security briefing was conducted as part of the final election preparations. In this meeting, PBGen. Cumigad presented a comprehensive report detailing regional security plans for the elections, including deployment strategies, threat assessments, and coordination mechanisms with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies. The importance of engaging the public to ensure orderly and peaceful voting in all precincts was also emphasized.
The briefing was followed by a discussion where field commanders had the opportunity to directly present their observations, operational challenges, and ground-level needs to the CPNP.
In his address, PGen. Marbil underscored the PNP’s firm commitment to safeguarding a peaceful and credible election, and the crucial role of the police in upholding democracy.
“Let’s fulfill our promise to Region 8—‘What the Police Want is for You to Be Safe.’ Let us aim for zero election-related violence,” said PGen. Marbil, reaffirming the region’s campaign for safety and public trust during the elections.
He also urged all police personnel to uphold proper conduct, act with integrity, and follow only lawful orders.
“Do what is right—we must always take the side of what is right,” he emphasized, reminding officers to protect themselves and prepare for the weight of responsibility that comes with election duty.
The CPNP also reminded the PRO 8 leadership to continue election-related operations even after voting concludes, to maintain peace and order throughout the entire electoral process.
With PRO 8’s unwavering dedication to the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality, the region stands ready to deliver a safe, orderly, and honest election in the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections. | Ricky Bautista / Samar Chronicle
