Print 

Thru the leadership of the Provincial Governor of Zambales, Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. the active members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) together with the Local Chief Executives of the province convened on May 11, 2023 for the conduct of the 2nd Quarter 2023 Joint Provincial Peace and Order and Public Safety Cluster Meeting.

CPT James M. Bilaya of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division, and Philippine Army discussed the threat situation in the province, as well as their accomplishments and recommendations. On the other hand, LTC Marcelo F. Valdez Jr. INF (GSC) PA of the newly deployed 69th Infantry Battalion delivered their Information Briefing, unit background, area of operations and their mission in the province. Governor Ebdane expressed his warm welcome to the newly-assigned battalion in the province and also commended the bravery and dedication of the outgoing 70th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, PA for their consecutive 8 years of service in Zambales.

 

"Zambales is generally peaceful and orderly", stated by PLT COL Nelson G. Buhong of the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) as he discusses the crime environment in the province, and operational accomplishments, ELCAC accomplishments, issues, concerns, assessments and ways forward of ZPPO.

The drug situation in the province was reported by IA V Jigger B. Juniller of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). He also took the opportunity to thank the Provincial Government of Zambales for allotting a budget for the construction of the 1st Phase of PDEA Zambales Provincial Office and to the donated lot from the Local Government Unit of Castillejos. While, the newly appointed Zambales Provincial Fire Director FSUPT Augusto M. Yalung, MPA, of the Bureau of Fire Protection also delivered the accomplishments, updates, current interventions and ways forward of BFP Zambales Provincial Office.

The concerned department heads of the Provincial Government of Zambales discussed their accomplishments, issues, concerns, and ways forward. Mr. Peter John D. Encarnacion OIC-PDRRMC of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Dr. Noel C. Bueno, MD of the Provincial Health Office, Engr. Edwin E. Ebdane, OIC- Provincial Planning and Development Officer.

In addition, LGOO V Jacqueline A. Calimlim of DILG Zambales discussed the POC, ADAC 2023 Audits and 2023 RCSP while Engr. III Alled Aron C. Dela Cruz presented the Local Government Support Fund Status in the province.

In closing, Gov. Ebdane thanked everyone for their efforts in maintaining the peace and order of the province. He also encouraged them to raise their suggestions and take note of all the pointers that have been mentioned during the presentation proper.

The joint council meeting is designed to further strengthen the collaboration between Local Government Units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, peace and order and public safety cluster to provide the best strategies to fight crimes, eliminate prohibited drugs, and enhance disaster preparedness plans for the people of Zambales.

By: PEO I Carla G. Maranoc