Modern Communication for Safer Communities
Anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for improved public service delivery, the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1), headed by Police Brigadier General Lou F. Evangelista, Regional Director, formally launched the “Handheld Emergency Response Operation–Layered Interoperable Nexus for Kinetics” (H.E.R.O. L.I.N.K.) project on May 1, 2025. The launch featured the actual testing and distribution of Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (POC) radios, held at the PRO 1 Auditorium, Camp BGen Oscar M. Florendo in Parian, La Union.
The H.E.R.O. L.I.N.K. project was part of PNP’s digitalization thrust under the “Smart Policing” program initiated by Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police. This initiative aimed to enhance communication speed across all police units, especially during critical situations.
The project had included the distribution of POC handheld radios and the training of supply Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) to ensure proper usage. The package also included SIM cards with a 12-month data plan to support operational needs.
PRO 1 recorded the highest number of distributed POC radios to police units nationwide. A total of 816 units of POC handheld radios and SIM cards were distributed to police units in Region 1; 35 units to the PRO 1 Headquarters; 21 units to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1 (RMFB1); 296 units to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO); 123 units to the La Union PPO; 198 units to the Ilocos Sur PPO; and 143 units to the Ilocos Norte PPO.
On April 23, 2025, PBGen Lou F. Evangelista, together with his Regional Staff, held a meeting with SMART Communications Inc., led by Mr. Clark Macabebe, Cluster Head for NCR and Luzon. During the said meeting, SMART Communications was recognized as a partner in the project for providing 816 SIM cards free of charge.
The new communication equipment played a vital role in the implementation of security operations, particularly in the upcoming elections. With this technology, coordination between different units and government agencies will be faster, resulting in more prompt responses and improved execution of operations.
PBGen Evangelista emphasized that the initiative was not only focused on election security but also served as an important component of daily operations and the continuous modernization of police services in the region.
Meanwhile, PRO1 recorded another significant accomplishment, following the seizure of suspected illegal drugs worth Php1,254,944 and the arrest of eight suspects in five separate buy-bust operations across Region 1 on April 29–30, 2025.
In La Union, 90 grams of suspected shabu and four grams of dried marijuana leaves were seized. In Pangasinan, three buy-bust operations resulted in the arrest of four drug suspects and the seizure of 93.48 grams of suspected shabu. Two drug suspects were also arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by personnel of the Rosales Municipal Police Station (MPS), while another 15 grams of suspected shabu were recovered in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Calasiao PNP. In Ilocos Norte, the Bacarra MPS apprehended a 38-year-old suspect and seized one gram of suspected shabu.
PBGen Evangelista lauded the operating units for sustaining an aggressive stance against illegal drugs. “I commended you for your firm commitment in implementing our anti-criminality efforts in the region, particularly in our anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he said.
With initiatives like H.E.R.O. L.I.N.K. and sustained anti-drug operations, PRO 1 reaffirms its commitment to public safety, technological advancement, and the rule of law.
