PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reappointed Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as the Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council for Central Luzon (RPOC-3), giving him another term of leadership to coordinate peace and security efforts in the region until 2028. 

Gov. Ebdane, who has held the post since 2022, welcomed the reappointment, expressed gratitude for Pres. Marcos’s trust and support, and pledged his continuing commitment to serve Region III.

“Ang muling pagkakatalagang ito ay patunay ng tiwala at pagkilala sa ating matatag na pamumuno at epektibong pamamahala sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa buong Gitnang Luzon,” Ebdane said.

“Tayo ay magpapatuloy sa tapat na paglilingkod nang may malasakit, dedikasyon, at pagkakaisa tungo sa mapayapa at maunlad na Rehiyon III,” he added.

Alongside Gov. Ebdane, Pres. Marcos also appointed Police Regional Director PBGen Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. and 7th Infantry Division Commander MGen Joseph Norwin Pasamonte as vice-chairpersons. 

The RPOC is tasked with unifying efforts of local government units and national agencies in combating crime, insurgency, and illegal drugs, while focusing on the attainment of sustained peace and security.

As head of RPOC-3, Gov. Ebdane presided over his inaugural meeting on November 18, during the 4th Quarter RPOC-3 Meeting held at the Royce Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga, with representatives from various government agencies, uniformed services, and LGUs across Central Luzon in attendance.

Gov. Ebdane emphasized in the meeting the crucial need to solidify the partnership between LGUs and national agencies, which he said is vital for maintaining sustained peace and security throughout the region.

Key discussions in the meeting included the overall peace and order situation, internal peace and security challenges, updates on the state of crime, progress reports on the campaign against illegal drugs, and presentation of recommended interventions to enhance security measures.

Ebdane also presented several LGUs with the Drug-Free Workplace Certification as part of the expanded regional initiative aimed at combating illegal drugs within communities and workplaces.

As RPOC-3 chairman, Gov. Ebdane also attended the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) Meeting for 2025 held on November 24 in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, who is also NPOC chairman, presided over the joint meeting. – Taktikom News & Features