Newly-installed Pampanga police provincial director, Colonel Eugene M. Marcelo, has vowed to "deliver what Kapampangans need" while enhancing the programs and projects turned over by his predecessor.
Marcelo is known for his anti-illegal drugs advocacy and commitment to public safety.
He replaced Colonel Jay Dimaandal, who was assigned to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Camp Olivas.
"Tuloy lang ang mga programang iniwan ng dating director. But we at the Pampanga police will be relentless in the war against illegal drugs which is currently a big problem in Pampanga, like many other areas in the country. It is the root of many crimes and a hindrance to public safety," he said.
Marcelo, a native of Porac town, said that during a courtesy call to Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and other Capitol officials, he relayed his request for additional communication equipment and training for policemen.
"That is for enhancement of police visibility and presence as well as swift response to emergencies or calls for assistance by our citizens. Kasi right now, the Pampanga police force has 1,730 police personnel tasked to safeguard more than 2-million residents in the province. That's roughly one policeman for 1,400 citizens. So we really need the support from our provincial officials," Marcelo said.
He also pledged to "keep an open door policy" for the public, so he could personally listen and address the needs or concerns of the public.
"It's a big task ahead but we must deliver and ensure peace and order in Pampanga for the welfare of our citizens," he said.
Marcelo, a Most Outstanding Kapampangan in the field of Law Enforcement in 2022, became an “Adopted Son of Floridablanca” in the same year.
He served as Chief of Police in Floridablanca and the City of San Fernando.
A graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Sinaglaya Class of 2002, Marcelo was assigned to the PNP Special Action Force, Aviation Security Group, and Finance Service in Mimaropa.