The Provincial Government of Bataan convened the 2026 first-quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) at The Bunker in Balanga City on Friday.

The meeting was presided over by Governor Joet Garcia and attended by council members, local chief executives, and representatives from law enforcement agencies, national government offices, and other key stakeholders tasked with maintaining peace, order, and public safety in the province.

During the discussions, the councils shared updates on the province’s peace and order situation, including security measures, anti-insurgency and ELCAC programs, anti-drug efforts, and various community welfare initiatives. Officials said the exchanges reflected strong coordination among provincial, city, and municipal governments, along with their partner agencies.

One of the main concerns raised by city and municipal peace and order councils was the need to further strengthen fire prevention and fire protection capabilities, especially in fast-growing and high-risk areas.

Among the requests discussed were funding for fire station buildings, fire trucks, firefighting equipment, and other Bureau of Fire Protection requirements. The council stressed that proactive fire prevention remains crucial in protecting lives and property.

The joint meeting also reaffirmed Bataan’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing peace and order concerns, illegal drugs, and insurgency — while keeping the welfare and safety of local communities at the forefront.

The PPOC of Bataan serves as the province’s main policy-making body on peace, order, and security, operating under the leadership of the provincial government.