The Police Regional Office 8 had the ceremonial blessing of the PRO 8 Command Center and the inaugural launching of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Secretariat Satellite Hub in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on July 30, 2024.
Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police led in the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the marker together with PBGen Reynaldo H. Pawid, PRO 8 Director and Rev. Father PMaj Rhey J. Dollesin, Regional Pastoral Officer in attendance.
In PGen Marbil’s speech, the commitment to professionalism and public service was emphasized. “Let us wear our uniform with pride and honor. As committed police officers, we safeguard communities and uphold the values of integrity and courage. Together, we embody the essence of public service and strive to improve as public servants,” he said.
The establishment of the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub represents a significant development for firearm regulation in the Philippines. This hub, which is the nation’s first PTCFOR satellite office, will expedite the processing of applications for all licensed gun owners in Region 8 and the surrounding areas to carry firearms outside of their residences. It is anticipated that this new facility will increase the effectiveness and accessibility of weapons permits, hence, enhancing public safety.
The PRO8 Command Center was formally launched and blessed at the same time as the PTCFOR Hub launch. It was constructed under the Trust Receipt Fund CY 2023, costing Php5,127,290.00, according to the PNP Office of the Directorate for Comptrollership.
The Command Center has a War Room with a short-throw projector for crisp and clear displays that are intended for operational deployment and strategic planning. The Central Operations Area, which is overseen by a local tactical and technical staff, also has a big LED wall that displays data, maps, and real-time feeds from drones, body cams, and CCTVs. In order to facilitate preemptive reactions and effective resource deployment, this region also has a TV monitor specifically designated for vehicle tracking.
In his statement, RD Pawid thanked the Chief PNP for helping establish the projects. He said “The establishment of both the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub and the PRO8 Command Center marks a new chapter in PRO8’s advancement in public safety and operational efficiency. These new facilities will play a crucial role in enhancing law enforcement and emergency response capabilities across the region.”
