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The joint meeting 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), chaired by Hon. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., Governor of Zambales, convened on March 1, 2024 at Balin Sambali, Iba, Zambales. Representatives from different member agencies were in attendance to discuss the accomplishments, programs, projects and activities (PPAs) and other critical measures in addressing matters concerning peace and order, illegal drugs, terrorism, insurgency and disaster preparedness.
In his message, Governor Ebdane emphasized how critical it is to provide Zambaleños with a tranquil environment. He urges everyone to make sure that there is more equitable, just, and strategic coordination when crucial actions are being implemented to address problems that are endangering the province's overall safety. He further commended the different agencies for delivering their sworn duties to keep Zambales a safe sanctuary for all.
The ceremonial signing of the resolution by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) was also held, solidifying the Province's commitment in maintaining a state of stable internal peace and security (SSIPS), a historical milestone in the province's journey towards prosperity and harmony. Spearheaded by Governor Ebdane, this event was a manifestation of the convergence of key stakeholders from various councils, head secretaria. PBGEN Jose H Hidalgo, Jr. Regional Director, PRO 3, MGEN Andrew D Costelo PA, Commander, 7th Infantry Division, PA, PMGEN Mafelino A Bazar, OIC, Area Police Command- Northern Luzon, and LTGEN Fernyl G Buca, PAF, Commander, Province of Zambales, were present during the ceremonial signing, symbolizing unity and collective action towards ensuring the well-being of the province and its people.
LTC Ali B. Sumangil, representative of 69th Infantry Battallion, discussed the Threats on terrorism and insurgency and Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict. He presented the salient points in the threat and status of the rebel situation in the province. He also highlighted the accomplishment which includes the conduct of youth leadership summit, outreach programs to IP communities and marginalized sectors and Peace and Community Empowerment (PACE) program. He gives everyone the assurance that in order to react to the demand for provincial security and to lessen the direct and indirect effects of such acts on Zambalenos' safety, the Philippine Army would keep putting its counterterrorism and insurgency plans into practice.
PCOL Ricardo S Pangan, Provincial Director of Zambales Provincial Police Office, reported the state of peace and order in the province. He stated that Zambales' rate on eight focus crimes has significantly decreased. He also highlighted the office's successes in its fight against illicit substances, wanted individuals, unsecured weapons, illicit gaming, logging, and fishing.
In the fight against illegal drugs, IA V Jigger B. Juniller, Provincial officer, PDEA, underpinned the status of the anti-illegal drug program and activities in the province. He reiterated that the province has been steadfast in putting its countermeasures in place to stop drug-related activities from reaching the most vulnerable sector of the province. In addition, he pointed out the importance of the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) by establishing Balay Silangan in every LGUs and the Drug-Free Workplace Program towards reaching the ultimate objective of making Zambales a drug resistant province.
On the other hand, FSUPT Arvin Christian C Santos, Provincial Fire Marshall, Province of Zambales, shared the accomplishments of the office, such as, joining the 10th Central Luzon fire olympics and training of barangay personnel for basic firefighting and lifesaving to enhance their skills in responding to the emergencies within their area responsibility.
Engr. Edwin E. Ebdane, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, presented the 2024 Approved Programs, Projects and Activities under the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan. Mr. Rolex E. Estrella, Provincial Risk Reduction Management Officer (PDRRMO), reported the climate outlook and assessment, target activities and programs for the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2024. He added that the office has ongoing installations of 90 warning signages, typhoon coastal warning system and eyeing for the procurement of satellite phones and modular tents for evacuation centers to intensify disaster preparedness of the province.
Furthermore, BGen Abrahan Claro C. Casis, Regional Adviser for Peace and Security (Office of Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity), presented the Transformation Program and Localizing Normalization Implementation. He highlighted the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and Transformation Program in addressing the insurgency, reaching peace settlement with CPP/NPA/NDF at the local level, transforming the lives of surrenderees and rationalizing the efforts towards ending local communist armed conflict. “Keeping the peace is a shared responsibility, without us peace will never be achieved”, he added.
Lastly, updates on locally funded projects (LFP) in the province and proposed projects under the 2024 Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), ADAC and POC Audit results, Retooled Community Support Program (RSCP) were given by LGOO V Paulin Johanne L. Reyes, Monitoring and Evaluation Chief, DILG Zambales.
The meeting ended with a renewed sense of purpose towards bringing safety and stability to the people of Zambales free from fear, conflict and uncertainty.
by: PEO I Bryan B. Allejos, LPT
