The Pampanga Press Club’s media forum, themed News@Hues, welcomed Police Brigadier General Jean Salvador Fajardo, the newly appointed Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3, at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark’s Hues Restaurant. This marked her first formal engagement as Police Regional Director, providing a platform for key discussions on public safety, crime prevention, and preparations for the upcoming Philippine midterm elections.
In her opening message, Brigadier General Fajardo emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, especially with the media, to combat disinformation and ensure orderly elections. She detailed a strategy when asked about preparations for Central Luzon’s influx of inbound tourists during the Holy Week and Summer season.
“All hands on deck,” she stated, outlining the deployment of trained tourist police to key destinations, maintaining security and public safety, and ensuring quick responses to emergencies. She also highlighted enhanced police presence in commercial establishments, schools, and transport hubs, aiming to reduce crime statistics.
ON MIDTERM ELECTIONS AND 911 PLANS
As Central Luzon gears up for the 2025 midterm elections, Brigadier General Fajardo shared updates on areas of concern across the region. She revealed that 14 locations, including nine towns and four cities, are under the yellow category, indicating recorded election-related incidents. Pampanga’s Arayat and City of San Fernando are closely monitored due to political rivalry, while San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, and Baler, Aurora, are under special focus. Bulacan and Pampanga will also serve as pilot provinces for the revitalized 911 emergency hotline, aiming to enhance response times and preserve crucial evidence during pursuit operations.
ON ENSURING POLICE NON-PARTISANSHIP
Addressing the role of law enforcement in elections, Brigadier General Fajardo reiterated the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) commitment to non-partisanship, reminding the 13,000-strong Central Luzon police force to remain apolitical. Personnel closely associated with political candidates have been relieved from their posts to ensure impartiality. She also urged the public to report officers violating this directive.
ON CRIME RATES
Central Luzon’s crime rate has seen a 14.98% increase, with incidents of rape, theft, and robbery rising in Pampanga. Brigadier General Fajardo outlined plans for better police strategies, including daily deployments in hotspot areas and a focus on both crime prevention and swift resolution.
ON GENDER BIAS
On a personal note, Brigadier General Fajardo shared her perspective on gender bias in law enforcement. “I’ve never seen it as a hindrance,” she remarked, viewing her meticulous approach to management as an advantage in addressing the region’s critical and diverse challenges.
The Pampanga Press Club expressed gratitude to Park Inn by Radisson Clark for its continued support in hosting these insightful forums at the Hues Restaurant, providing a welcoming venue for dialogue that shapes Central Luzon’s future.
