Pageant cop Neil Perez on policewoman Sofia Deliu joining Miss PH Earth

MANILA, Philippines – Mister International 2014 Neil Perez said that he was very happy to hear that Sofia Loren Deliu, a policewoman, is joining Miss Philippines Earth.

In a statement sent to Rappler, Neil said Sofia’s participation in the pageant, as well as his own, showed that one can give honor to the country beyond one’s profession. (WATCH: Pageant cop Neil Perez on love life, Mr International win, what’s next)

“I’m very happy and thankful because she is representing PNP (Philippine National Police) too. Pinapakita lamang nito na katulad ng normal na propesyon, ang mga kapulisan ay normal na tao rin – nakikipagsocialize, tumutulong at nagbibigay karangalan sa bansa,” Neil said.

(This just shows that like in any profession, the police are normal people also – they socialize, help people, and can honor the country.) 

Neil also said that he is very happy that he inspired many of his comrades to get fit and to be close to the public.

“I think I did inspire them in my own little way. Mas maraming pulis ang magiging fit hindi lamang para sa pageants, kundi higit sa lahat para sa trabaho namin. ( There are many police who will get fit not only for pageants, but for our work.)

“Malaking bagay din ito para mapalapit ang kapulisan sa mamamayan. Mas madali nating masusugpo ang krimen kapag mas maayos ang relasyon ng mamamayan sa kapulisan,” he added.

(This is a big opportunity for the police to get closer to the public. It might be easier to stop crime if the relationship between the public and police were better.)

Neil, who won Misters of the Philippines back in September 2014, went on to win the Mister International pageant held in South Korea last February. 

On the Miss Philippines Earth website, Police Inspector Sofia’s name has been included in the early list of candidates.  Prior to joining the police force, Sofia, who is Filipino-Romanian, did some modeling. She will represent Baguio City in the pageant. –Rappler.com