Nueva Ecija Provincial Peace and Order Council convened for its 3rd quarter meeting and approved its proposed 2018 Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) programs, projects and activities, held last September 7 at Governor's Office, Old Capitol, Cabanatuan City.

Governor Czarina D. Umali extended her gratitude to PPOC members for the successful management and containment of the bird flu outbreak in the province. Also, she informed the council that this crisis has ended as declared by Secretary Emmanuel Piñol of the Department of Agriculture.

The proposed 2018 peace and order and public safety programs which will be included in the 2018 budget allocation of the province, as presented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Alejandro Abesamis, was duly approved by the council.
Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office PSSupt Antonio C. Yarra also presented updates focusing on the intensive campaign against Illegal drugs, Illegal Gambling, Internal Security, Anti-Criminality and Public Safety.

According to him, the intensified campaign against illegal drugs reduced index crime cases such as murder, homicide and rape cases while increase in crime volume was due to the strengthening the enforcement of special laws particularly on drugs and gambling. He also stressed the need to intensify anti-illegal drugs campaign through strengthening stakeholder's participation such as the implementation of United Stand against Illegal Dangerous Drugs (USAD) project launched in the province.

Also, Col. Ferdinand S. Razalan, Deputy Brigade Commander, 703rd IB, reported updates regarding the insurgency. Also part of his report include launching of intelligence projects in order to decisively engage the NPA groups and intensify further stakeholders engagements in order to address holistically the socio-economic issues in the province.