Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — In a bid to fortify police-community relations and enhance proactive crime prevention at the grassroots level, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) formally launched the Fisherfolks Advocacy Support Groups (FASG) at the Subic Sports Complex, Brgy. Wawandue, Subic, Zambales on July 24, 2025.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) commitment to community-oriented policing, guided by the Chief PNP’s three pillars: Swift and Responsive Public Service, Unity and Morale Within the Ranks, and Accountability and Modernization.
With fisherfolk leaders from Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo attending—alongside PRO3 officers headed by PCol Rommel Batangan, DRDA PRO3 and representatives from BFAR, PDEA 3, RMU3, Coast Guard, PDEG, PDRRMO, and local government units—the event emphasized the importance of inclusive and multisectoral collaboration in protecting peace and security in coastal communities.
According to PBGen Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr., Regional Director of PRO3, “Our efforts to ensure public safety do not rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement. Through the Fisherfolks Advocacy Support Groups, we are strengthening our partnership with one of the most vital sectors of our society. This endeavor reflects our belief that community engagement is not just a strategy—it is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make our coastal areas safer, more resilient, and more united.”
The launching focused on the second pillar—Unity and Morale within the Ranks—by fostering solidarity not just within the police force, but also between law enforcers and the communities they serve.
The presence of local barangay officials, chiefs of police from Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo, as well as key stakeholders from civil society and maritime agencies, underscored a collective commitment to promoting peace, environmental protection, and disaster resilience.
By integrating fisherfolk into crime prevention and public safety programs, the PNP empowers these communities to become active contributors to local security, boosting the morale of police personnel and reinforcing public trust.
The establishment of FASGs is set to expand across more coastal provinces in the coming months, reinforcing the PNP’s proactive approach to community partnership and its vision of a truly empowered citizenry working hand in hand with a modern, responsive, and community-focused police force.
