LAOAG CITY — On Thursday, 27 November, new mobility, communication, and safety equipment were formally handed over to the Ilocos Norte Police, with House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Sandro Marcos overseeing the turnover to help boost law enforcement operations and rapid-response capabilities across the province.

The turnover includes 21 patrol vehicles, 11 motorcycles, two unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), 30 handheld radios, 15 mobile devices, and other support equipment acquired through Marcos’ congressional initiative. The turnover ceremony was held at the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) in Laoag City.

Marcos said that Ilocos Norte and neighboring Ilocos Sur continue to experience rapid growth, bringing with it “new responsibilities, new pressures, and new threats.” He noted that the Philippine National Police cannot effectively confront modern challenges if they are equipped with outdated tools.

“Our police force deserves equipment that matches its courage and professionalism,” Marcos said during his remarks. “There are forces that want to see this government fail. That is why the role of the PNP has never been more important.”

Ilocos Norte Police Director Police Col. Jemar D. Labiano expressed the PNP’s gratitude, saying the new units will significantly enhance mobility, visibility, and response time across various municipalities.

“This handover was long overdue,” Labiano said. “There is nothing political about giving our police the resources they need, especially when they must respond quickly to incidents anywhere in the province.”

The turnover aligns with the national government’s ongoing PNP modernization program, which focuses on improving patrol operations, communications, surveillance, and public safety infrastructure nationwide.

Marcos reiterated that continued investment in police capability is essential to maintaining peace and security, especially at a time when criminal and emerging threats evolve rapidly.

“Development only works if people feel safe,” he said. “And our police must have every tool necessary to protect our communities.”

The Ilocos Norte government expects the newly delivered assets to be deployed immediately to high-priority areas to enhance law enforcement visibility and community safety further.