IBA, Zambales — The Zambales provincial government has forged a stronger partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to advance progress and development through a sustained peace and security program.
The collaboration was formalized on Friday, November 28, during the signing of a joint declaration at Balin Sambali, led by Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun, together with top officials of the country’s uniformed services.
Among the signatories were BGen. Cesar A. Molina, deputy commander of the AFP Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom); BGen. Mario D. Jacinto, assistant division commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division; P/Col Reynaldo S. Ogay Jr., deputy regional director for operations of Police Regional Office 3; CDR Mhar N. Ventura, deputy commander of the PCG CGK9–EOD Force; and Mark Anthony B. Ruelos, commander of the Philippine Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion in Zambales.
Ebdane, who chairs both the provincial and regional Peace and Order Council (PPOC), emphasized that genuine peace and development can only be achieved through shared responsibility.
“Local government units need the assistance of uniformed forces to attain development. Peace and security should be a collaborative effort because the community is part of the justice system,” he said.
Under the joint declaration, uniformed agencies committed to closely coordinate with LGUs, the PPOC, and peace partners to uphold harmony, unity, and security. The agreement also supports efforts to maintain Zambales’ State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS).
The declaration affirms the PNP-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) program as the guiding framework for inter-agency coordination. It also calls for strengthened operations through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC), full enforcement of Joint Operational Plan “Sanib Pwersa” Zambales, adherence to human rights, and strict observance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Ebdane also underscored the importance of addressing psychosocial factors in peacekeeping, noting that many rebels are driven by injustice, poverty, and poor governance.
He said his administration continues to prioritize education, health, livelihood support, and fair resource allocation to uplift the lives of Zambaleños.
“We have made mistakes before, but now we have a thinking armed forces — no longer just tactical but strategic. We have to break the cycle,” he said.
Zambales reaffirmed its SSIPS status and formally adopted the PACE program last September 23 as its primary coordination mechanism for sustaining peace and security.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) OIC Provincial Director Melissa D. Nipal noted that Zambales has been consistently recognized as one of the most peaceful provinces in the country in the past two years — a reputation that continues to draw investments and expand economic opportunities for residents.