TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has deployed 300 personnel to reinforce security operations in Cebu for the upcoming 461st Fiesta Celebration of Señor Sto. Niño and the Sinulog Festival 2026, one of the country’s largest religious and cultural events.
The send-off ceremony for the contingent was held on Tuesday, January 13, at the PRO-8 Grandstand in Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, led by PRO-8 Regional Director BGen Jason Capoy.
The deployment follows the directive of Acting Philippine National Police Chief PLTGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., aimed at strengthening police presence and ensuring effective resource management during major national events scheduled for January 18.
The contingent consists of four Police Commissioned Officers and 296 Non-Commissioned Officers from various PRO-8 units, including Leyte and Southern Leyte Provincial Police Offices, city police offices in Tacloban and Ormoc, the Biliran PPO, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8, and other regional support units.
Capoy said the deployed officers will assist with crowd control, emergency preparedness, and rapid response operations throughout the festival, with a rotation period of eight days, subject to operational needs.
“I place my full confidence in each officer and expect them to serve with honor, discipline, and unyielding resolve. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, uphold professionalism, and support one another as they ensure the safety of all during this historic celebration,” PBGen Capoy said.
PRO-8 emphasized that the deployment reflects the PNP’s commitment to inter-regional cooperation, public safety, and the peaceful and orderly conduct of national events, reinforcing the importance of unity among regional police commands.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
