The Provincial Peace and Order Council of Zambales chaired by no less than Hon. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., Governor in its continuing efforts to intensify interventions for the province-wide campaign against criminality and insurgency has conducted the 1st Meeting for CY 2015 last March 24, 2015 at the Balin Sambali (Zambales Hotel), Iba, Zambales. The event was made possible thru the effort of the DILG, led by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, CESO V, PPOC Head Secretariat in close coordination with the Provincial Government of Zambales.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the Presentation of EO No. 008, S. 2014, Creating the Zambales Provincial Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ZPCLIP) Committee by PD Bactad which was then adopted by the body upon a motion and consensus of the majority.
The presentation of various agency members on their respective plans and programs led to the approval and adoption of the Peace and Order Public Safety Plan (POPSP) for FY 2015. The BFP Concerns was presented by SFO4 Ruben C. Collado. Col. David Diclano, 702nd Brigade Commander and Lt. Col. Monib Mamao, 24th IB Commanding Officer discussed the Situation Report on Insurgency and AFP plans and programs, respectively. Col. Jacquiline Puapo, Chief for Operations of the ZPPO in behalf of Provincial Director Manuel Manalo Abu presented the said agencies’ Programs and Activities. Other key presenters were from the Provincial Prosecutor, DOJ, Pros. Gladys Bautista and from PENRO, Provincial Officer Laudemir Salac.
Meanwhile, PD Bactad took the opportunity to discuss the status of the functionality of Municipal Peace and Order Councils (MPOCs). She also announced upcoming activities such as the Operation Listo: Provincial Convergence Action Planning on Disaster Preparedness, 2015 Earth Hour, 1st Semester 2015 Barangay Assembly Day and Governor’s Award during the meeting.
The DILG Zambales Team was seen in full force during this event. While majority of Municipal Chief of Police and Fire Marshals were also present. Municipal Mayors headed by LMP President, Hon. Jun Rundstedt C. Ebdane, Iba as well as Hon. Ronaldo Apostol, Cabangan; Hon. Napoleon Edquid, Candelaria; Hon. Jose Angelo Dominguez, Castillejos; Hon. Generoso Amog, Palauig; Hon. Carolyn Fariñas, San Felipe; Hon. Peter Lim, San Narciso; Hon. Jose Rodriguez, San Marcelino; and Hon. Consolacion Marty, Sta. Cruz were in attendance.
Other key persons present were heads/representatives from the CSO, NAPOLCOM, DTI, DPWH, DOJ, PSWDO, PPDO, PAO, PJO and other provincial offices.
The Governor’s message focused on the major plans and programs to be implemented for the whole year that would ensure peace, order and safety in the community. Further, he instructed all concerned in a joint and full effort for the said campaign. He also conveyed his gratitude to the PPOC members specifically the AFP, PNP, the rest of the DILG Family, as well as the LCEs for attending the meeting.