The Regional Peace and Order Council 3 (RPOC-3) has proclaimed a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security for Central Luzon. This announcement came during the council's third quarter meeting held on September 15, 2026, at Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone.
Collaborative Efforts Lead to Peace Declaration
The declaration is a result of the collective efforts of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other agencies in the RPOC-3.
Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Zambales Governor
- All provinces in Central Luzon reported no violent activities from communist terrorist groups in recent years.
- The regional element of the New People’s Army, Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon, has been dismantled.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the RPOC-3 chair, credited the successful peace efforts to the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division and the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC). He noted that provinces like Aurora, Zambales, and Pampanga have all issued resolutions affirming a lack of violent incidents.
Ebdane emphasized that the dismantling of the Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon was confirmed by the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC). Continuous military and police operations have driven remaining members out of Central Luzon.
In addition to military efforts, the governor highlighted the significance of peace-building initiatives, poverty-reduction programs, and community empowerment in fostering a stable environment. He believes that this declaration will promote economic growth and political stability.
A copy of the resolution will be forwarded to the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Region 3 for further reference. The meeting also reviewed updates on internal peace and security, criminality, and drug-related issues.
Ebdane reiterated the necessity of unity among government branches to maintain peace and order throughout Central Luzon.