CAMP MALVAR, Batangas City -- The Public Safety Alliance for Transformation and Rule of Law Inc. (Patrol) Partylist, led by Representative Jorge Antonio Bustos, spearheaded the distribution of relief goods and financial assistance to members and personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
The ceremony, dubbed "Tulong Para Sa Mga Patrol ng Bayan ng Police Regional Office IV-A," was held on Monday, February 3, at the Provincial Police Office (PPO) of the PNP-Calabarzon in Batangas City.
Bustos, accompanied by Police Regional Office-Central Luzon Director Rhodel O. Sermonia, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT)-Central Luzon, and the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) were present during the distribution of the relief goods to some 1,000 PNP-Calabarzon personnel in a show of solidarity and support to the troops in times of calamities and disasters.
In his speech, Bustos was all praises to the members of the PNP who readily faced the risks and dangers of the eruption of Taal Volcano, putting other's safety before their own.
"I salute you because the people saw how brave and dedicated, and the whole PNP were in helping our evacuees and hauling everyone to safety, even though you know that you and your own families are also experiencing the same calamity," Bustos said.
He said the relief goods and assistance are "incomparable" to the sacrifices the police have given in order to save lives and make a difference.
"I hope even in our own, small way, you will feel that we are proud of you and that we will always be here to support you in all your endeavors and needs," Bustos added.
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go and Senator Bato Dela Rosa also contributed to the goods and financial assistance given to the police of Calabarzon.
Some of the goods distributed were 1,000 sacks of rice, various canned goods, boxes of biscuits, bottled water and personal hygiene products like soap and n95 masks.
Patrol Partylist, the House of Representative's frontrunner advocating public safety and disaster management, is composed of member-volunteers working together toward making communities safer, crime-free and more disaster resilient. It has coined the slogan "Gusto ko, Safe ka!" to emphasize the importance of safety and preparedness in communities and families at all times.
Bustos ended his speech with a clear reminder of how public service ought to be: "You are the real proof of how public service should be, of not expecting anything in return and in accordance with our sworn duty and battle cry of a true PATROL of the people: 'Gusto ko, Safe Ka'." (Chris Navarro)