POLICE Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio “Pojie” I. Peñones, who once served as Provincial Director of the Zambales Police Provincial Office, is now the new Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3).

Peñones, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1995, formally took over the post on June 23 in a turnover ceremony at Camp Olivas in Pampanga. It was attended by Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, ranking PNP officials, and local government executives, including Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., himself a former PNP Chief.

Peñones was designated Acting Regional Director, Police Regional Office 3 by PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III on June 19, as contained in a memorandum signed by Police Major General Constancio T. Chinayog, Jr., who is Director for Personnel and Records Management.

Peñones took over the command from Police Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo. PRO-3 covers the seven Central Luzon provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, and Aurora.

In his inaugural message, PBGen Peñones emphasized the call of Gen. Torre increased police presence and strict implementation of the five-minute response protocol.

“We must remain on our toes 24/7,” he said. “Our goal is a five-minute response time. All commanders must be reachable at all times. Public service cannot wait.”

Peñones also urged police units to maintain internal cohesion and instill trust within the police force. “We must build a strong police force based on trust and camaraderie. We need each other. We must act as one, move as one, and protect each other with the same dedication we show the people we serve,” he said.

He also stressed the need for prudent use of resources and called on police officers in the region to embrace innovation and maintain integrity.

“I expect nothing less than your full commitment. Let’s start the day right, and every day hereafter—with purpose, urgency, and unwavering service,” he concluded.

Aside from his service as Zambales provincial director, Peñones held key positions such as head of the Northern Police District (NPD), and deputy director for operations and administration at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). 