The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) for Region 3 is eyeing the solidification of partnerships between local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies as part of its thrust to improve and enhance peace, order, and public safety in Central Luzon.

During the 4th Quarter Meeting held at the Royce Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga on 18 November 2025, newly designated chairperson Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. presided over his inaugural meeting, which was attended by various government agencies, uniformed services, and LGU officials of Region 3.

During the meeting, Ebdane said there is a need to solidify the partnership between LGUs and national agencies in order to strengthen regional security. This cooperation, he noted, is vital for maintaining sustained peace and security throughout the region.

The council also discussed the overall peace and order situation in the region, internal peace and security challenges, updates on crime, and progress reports on the campaign against illegal drugs.

Vice Chairmen MGen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte and PBGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., as well as Zambales Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane — who represented local governments as the current League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) president — accompanied the Zambales governor.

The council likewise served as a platform for presenting recommended interventions to enhance security measures and for the awarding of Drug-Free Workplace Certifications to several LGUs in the region.

According to Ebdane, the award is part of the expanded regional initiative aimed at combating illegal drugs within communities and workplaces.

The official concluded the meeting by urging all participating agencies to pursue deeper and continuous coordination, citing that a unified approach is essential to ensure that Region 3 remains safe, prepared, and cohesive in addressing all challenges related to security and order.

The RPOC is a government body responsible for formulating plans, recommending measures, and monitoring programs to improve or enhance peace and order and public safety within a specific region. It is part of a hierarchical structure of Peace and Order Councils (POCs) that operate at the national, provincial, city, and municipal levels.

The RPOC provides a platform for discussing issues related to peace and order, including insurgency. It recommends ways to improve peace, order, and public safety within its jurisdiction. The council also coordinates internal security operations among civil, military, and police agencies and monitors development programs in remote areas to counter rebel influence. It performs other duties assigned by law, the President, or the National Peace and Order Council.