A TOTAL of 150 newly purchased Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) radios and gateways were distributed to various police units across Eastern Visayas on Monday, April 28, 2025, as part of efforts to enhance the communication system of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).
“The use of PoC radios is a significant step in ensuring that our police forces are equipped with affordable, digital, and real-time communication tools -- especially in today's fast-paced environment where reliable public service is crucial,” said Brigadier General Jay Cumigad, police regional director, during the turnover ceremony at the PRO 8 War Room in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.
“As we prepare for the National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025, these radios are already proving vital in supporting our checkpoint and chokepoint operations,” he added.
Following the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) nationwide communication modernization program, Cumigad said the use of advanced dispatch consoles will “enable command centers to communicate effectively with patrollers and frontline units, ensuring rapid police deployment and improved situational awareness.”
Among the recipients, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) received the highest number with 42 units, followed by the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) with 19 units.
The Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) received 26 units, Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) got 25 units, and Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) was given 24 units.
The Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) received nine units, while both the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) and the Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO) received one unit each.
Three units were also distributed to the Regional Communications and Electronics Unit 8 (RCEU-8).
"The distribution of PoC radios and gateways aims to strengthen communication capabilities and improve police operations, particularly in areas with limited conventional radio signal coverage. This technology provides real-time voice communication through cellular and internet networks, while the gateways ensure seamless integration with the existing land mobile radio system," the police regional command said in a statement to the media.
The blessing and distribution ceremony was attended by Major Rey Ibañez, regional pastoral officer; Lieutenant Colonel Roderick Condag, officer-in-charge of the Regional Logistics and Research and Development Division; and Lieutenant Colonel Sam Andarino, officer-in-charge of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division.
According to the police regional command, the use of PoC radios is also part of the PNP’s broader effort to implement the next-generation 911 emergency call system across the country. (Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)