Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Chairperson Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. convened the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at the Balin Sambali (Zambales Hotel), Iba Zambales last July 21, 2014.
Members of the PPOC in attendance included PSSupt. Manuel M. Abu (Philippine National Police), Dir. Manuel Pontanal (Regional Director, NAPOLCOM R3), Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad (DILG), Leonila T. Baluyut (DTI), Ms. Fe Y. Gallardo (PSWDO), Lt. Col. Monib T. Mamao (24th IB, 7th ID, Philippine Army), C/Insp. Jonas R. Silvano (BFP), Ms. Susafe F. Lodivero (PPO 1st District, DOJ), Mr. Romulo Manangan (PPO 2nd District, DOJ), Bishop Virginio Ducos (Hiyas ng Pag-Asa), and Lea Mayormita (NGO-Senior Citizens).
Also present were Vice-Governor Ramon G. Lacbain II; Provincial Administrator Jun Omar C. Ebdane; Mayors, Jun Rundstedt C. Ebdane (Iba), LMP President along with other Mayors namely Jose Angelo M. Dominguez (Castillejos), Generoso F. Amog (Palauig), Estela D. Antipolo (San Antonio), Carolyn S. Fariñas (San Felipe), Peter T. Lim (San Narciso), Jose F. Rodriguez (San Marcelino) and Consolacion M. Marty (Sta. Cruz). The mayor of Candelaria was represented by its Vice Mayor, Hon. Sergio R. Edquilang.
Provincial Department Heads, Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs), Chiefs of Police (COP) and Municipal Fire Marshals were also present.
The meeting was highlighted with the presentation of Lt. Crispin E. Malibiran, Commander, NISG – NL, from the Philippine Navy on the illegal fishing practices in the province and the activities made to apprehend the perpetrators. The Philippine Army provided a situationer on the peace and order in the province, particularly on insurgency-related activities. They also introduced the Army’s plans and programs for the remainder of the year, which includes continuous visibility and assistance during disaster and peace-time activities in the LGUs. The PNP discussed its Disaster Preparedness Plan for the province, which included its organization during disasters, identification of evacuation centers for the whole province, trainings on search and rescue, and inventory of disaster equipment and also called for the need for continuous monitoring and coordination among the agencies (and the LGUs concerned) to prevent loss of lives and properties.
DILG Provincial Director Bactad discussed the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) for former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the province. The program aims to mainstream former rebels to the society by providing them with the necessary tools to continue their normal lives. She discussed the integration process and the participation and role of the concerned agencies (AFP, PNP, DILG, CSOs, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the concerned LGU) in the said program
During the Governor’s Hour, Chairman Ebdane commended the AFP and PNP in their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province, along with their programs in helping the community. He also commended the efforts made by the LGUs in preventing the loss of lives during the recent typhoon Glenda and warned that more typhoons will still threaten the province. He also noted the involvement of the community especially in the reintegration of former rebels in society, citing them as important actors in embracing those who once challenged the government.
