By: Ma. Elaine Jean D. Villasis BAB 2 A
Photo credits: PEP.ph and philnews.ph
We instantly think about big, burly men with serious expressions and intimidating weapons when we mention policemen. Not until when a dashing policeman joining the Misters of the Philippines 2014 pageant went viral on social media. Netizens were pleasantly surprised and have their common misconception challenged.
Twenty-nine-year old PO2 Mariano Perez Flormata Jr. or Neil Perez has successfully captured his audiences not by weapons but with his muscular physique and attractive face. He has been a member of the Philippine National Polices Aviation Security Group for almost eleven years. Graduated with a degree in BS Criminology from Manuel L. Quezon University, PO2 Flormata specializes in anti-aircraft hijacking and is part of the NAIA team in charge of responding to bomb threats and terrorist attacks.
People around him thought that he has the potential to do more aside from his duties as a policeman. His first time to join a competition was in 2014 as he tried his luck as a candidate in Misters of the Philippines.
During his journey in the said competition, PO2 Flormata is already famous among Filipino social media users. As they adore how he shows a different side of the police force. PO2 Flormata admitted that he remains shy with all the attention he receives but gamely poses with people who recognizes him.
PO2 Flormata said that he dedicated his work in the pageant to the fallen members of the Special Action Force known as the Fallen 44 during the violent clash in Maguindanao. For there are 7 members of the PNP-SAF (Fallen 44) who were in the same batch as him during their time in the academy.
As PO2 Flormata won the Mister International 2014-15 Male Pageant, he was able to show that policemen are disciplined. Masaya po kasi ito rin po yung pino-promote ko. Yung healthy lifestyle at tsaka ipapakita ko rin na yung pulis di lang puwede sa panghuli ng krimen kungdi sa pasgali rin sa ganitong pageant, as he stated in his interview with GMA networks primetime program, Kapuso mo Jessica Soho.
The PNP expressed their support for PO2 Flormata assuring him that he is not alone in this cause, as long as his bid does not interfere with his duties as a policeman.
Reference: The Man Behind the Uniform: Mr. ” Hot Cop” PO2 Mariano Flormata, Jr.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffars/kapusomojessicasoho
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