Cop proposes to girlfriend during PNP foundation anniv program

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Nine years into their relationship, Police Captain Paul Vincent Pendon decided to take things to the next level.

The 29-year-old police official assigned to the Bacolod City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit proposed marriage to his long-time girlfriend, Hazel Joy Grate.

And it wasn’t just your regular proposal with select friends and family members.

Pendon made known of his intentions in front of hundreds of police officers, including his superiors. It was also covered by PRO-6’s Facebook account.

The proposal took place Monday morning, with Pendon taking a 5-minute portion of the program for the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6)’s celebration of the 30th PNP Foundation Day at the PRO-6 grandstand in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

Pendon was one of the awardees during the celebration. He was given a Medalya ng Kagalingan for leading the team who conducted a police anti-narcotics operation in Bacolod City.

A native of New Lucena town in Iloilo province, Pendon premised his proposal of how he knew Grate, who also hails from New Lucena, Iloilo.

Addressing his superiors and National Police Commission regional director Atty. Joseph Celiz, Pendon asked that he be allowed to speak for a couple of minutes to express his feelings saying that he was prepared for what he was about to do.

Pendon said he met Grate on February 1, 2012 while he was an officer of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the latter was a freshman of West Visayas State University.

He immediately introduced himself for a chance to get to know her.

But before their relationship could even take off, Pendon entered the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite.

Their communication was cut off, especially during his plebe year. Their love affair was rekindled after he graduated.

Pendon narrated of the times that Grate would attend the one-hour Sunday mass just to be able to see him.

“We’ve been on rollercoaster rides. Natapos natin ang nine years. I hope sasamahan mo pa ako sa forever,” he said.

Pendon then popped the magic words: “Mahal, will you marry me?”

Before Grate could even say yes, the move received applause from the attendees.

For some, it was a 5-minute proposal but for the couple, it was their start to, hopefully, their forever.