The Provincial Government of Bataan held the 2026 First Quarter Joint Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) at The Bunker, Balanga City, Bataan, on 30 January 2026.

Governor Joet Garcia presided over the joint council meeting, and was participated by council members, local chief executives, heads and representatives of law enforcement agencies, national government agencies, and other key stakeholders involved in maintaining peace, order, and public safety in the province.

During the meeting, the councils shared updates on peace and order efforts in the province, including security measures, anti-insurgency and ELCAC programs, anti-drug initiatives, and community welfare activities.

These discussions highlighted the strong cooperation among the provincial, city, and municipal governments, together with partner agencies, in keeping Bataan peaceful and resilient.

One of the primary concerns raised by the City and Municipal Peace and Order Councils (C/MPOCs) was the need to further strengthen fire prevention and fire protection capabilities at the local level.

Various requests were discussed, including funding support for fire station buildings, fire trucks, firefighting equipment, and other Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-related requirements, particularly in rapidly developing and high-risk areas.

The council emphasized the importance of proactive fire prevention measures to ensure public safety and protect lives and properties.

The joint meeting also reaffirmed the province’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing peace and order challenges, illegal drugs, and insurgency, while prioritizing the welfare and safety of Bataan’s communities.

The PPOC of Bataan is the primary body responsible for formulating and implementing policies to maintain stability, safety, and security within the province. It operates under the leadership of the Provincial Government of Bataan.