TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas turned over 150 units of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) radios to its line units across the region’s six provinces to enhance communication, especially with the May 12, 2025 midterm elections approaching.
PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director PBGen Jay Cumigad led the turnover ceremony, joined by PLtCol Roderick Condag, OIC of the Regional Logistics and Research and Development Division; PLtCol Sam Andarino, OIC of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division; and PMaj Rey Ibañez, Regional Pastoral Officer.
The distribution of two-way radio equipment aims to strengthen the communication capabilities of police units, particularly in areas with weak or limited cellular signal.
“Knowing that we are about to face greater challenges ahead, especially the election period where reliable communication is crucial for timely response and the delivery of public services, these radios are vital,” PBGen Cumigad said.
The turnover is part of the PNP’s broader efforts to modernize its communication systems to meet the evolving demands of police operations.
“The introduction of PoC radios is a crucial step in ensuring that our police units have access to cost-effective, digital, and real-time communication tools — especially at a time when we aim to deliver prompt, responsive, and reliable public service,” Cumigad added.
The 150 PoC radios were distributed as follows: 42 units to the Leyte Police Provincial Office (PPO); 26 units to the Samar PPO; 25 units to the Northern Samar PPO; 24 units to the Eastern Samar PPO; 19 units to the Southern Leyte PPO; 9 units to the Biliran PPO; 1 unit each to the Tacloban City and Ormoc City Police Offices; and 3 units to the Regional Communications and Electronic Unit 8.
“While these tools may not be flawless, they are more than capable of bridging communication gaps and serving as a vital link between our headquarters and our dedicated first responders,” Cumigad emphasized.
The PNP sees the PoC radios as essential in ensuring coordinated, efficient police operations, especially during the critical election season.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
