Butuan City — The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) strengthened its operational muscle on Tuesday as Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado, Regional Director, led the blessing and turnover ceremony of newly acquired police assets at the PRO-13 Grandstand, Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Libertad, Butuan City.
The ceremony marked the formal turnover of 12 units of Personnel Carrier 4×4 vehicles (Toyota Hilux) and one Light Transport Vehicle (Toyota Innova), assets expected to significantly enhance police mobility and rapid response across the Caraga Region. Also turned over were seven units of MERTSAV Light Machine Guns (LMG) and 200 units of KAVRO Enhanced Combat Helmets, aimed at bolstering the tactical capability and safety of police personnel during law enforcement, public safety, and disaster response operations.
In his message, PBGEN Magistrado underscored that the turnover of assets is only the beginning of the responsibility. “Hindi dito natatapos ang ating responsibilidad sa turn-over. It is up to you—the end-users—to ensure the maintenance and proper caretaking of these assets. Tandaan natin palagi, as enshrined in our Constitution—Public Office is a public trust,” he said.
The assets were formally received by Provincial Directors and Chiefs of Police as end-users, together with their respective Supply Accountable Officers to ensure proper documentation and accountability.
Magistrado also emphasized that the continuous acquisition of modern vehicles, firearms, and protective equipment reflects the Philippine National Police’s commitment to strengthening operational readiness and safeguarding its personnel. He noted that the new patrol vehicles will significantly improve police presence, mobility, and response time, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas, while the additional firearms and helmets will provide greater protection during critical and high-risk missions.
With the infusion of new equipment, PRO-13 is expected to further enhance its capacity to respond swiftly to crimes, emergencies, and disasters—reinforcing its mission to serve and protect communities across the region.