SECOND DISTRICT Representative Ando Oaminal paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of police officers as he hosted a Christmas fellowship dinner for members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Misamis Occidental, describing the gathering as a heartfelt expression of gratitude rather than a political event.
Addressing police personnel from across the district, Oaminal underscored the vital role of the PNP in keeping communities safe, often at great personal cost to officers and their families.
“This is not a Christmas party in the usual sense, and it is certainly not about us as politicians,” Oaminal said. “This is about you. Your service, your sacrifices, and the risks you take every day so that our communities can live in peace.”
The lawmaker noted that while police officers are regularly visible during emergencies and crises, their years of quiet, consistent service often go unrecognized.
“You miss family gatherings, holidays, and even milestones in your children’s lives because duty calls,” he said. “Yet you show up every day, regardless of the danger or the assignment. That kind of commitment deserves more than applause, it deserves genuine support.”
Oaminal also highlighted the Asenso Pre-Hospitalization Program, a health assistance initiative he championed upon returning to public office in 2019. While the program is commonly associated with indigent patients, the congressman emphasized that it was also designed to assist working professionals, including police officers, who remain vulnerable to sudden and costly medical emergencies.
“A regular salary does not protect a family from a major hospital bill,” Oaminal said. “This program was created so that when an emergency happens, our police officers and their families will not be left helpless. You protect us–this is one way we try to protect you.”
Despite support from local governments at the municipal, city, and provincial levels, Oaminal acknowledged that police personnel continue to face financial and personal challenges, particularly given the risks inherent in their profession.
“The demands placed on our police officers are enormous, yet the compensation and recognition often fall short,” he said. “Many of you will serve more than half of your lives before retirement, wherever duty sends you. That kind of service deserves respect and sustained support.”
Local chief executives, provincial officials, and representatives of the provincial government attended the fellowship, reinforcing what Oaminal described as a shared commitment among local leaders to look after the welfare of law enforcement personnel. “We may come and go in public office, but you remain on the frontlines,” Oaminal told the officers. (PR)
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