As part of its commitment to strengthen peace and order initiatives in Eastern Visayas, the Regional Peace and Order Council- Eastern Visayas (RPOC-EV) conducted its 2nd Quarter Meeting at Pacific Point, San Jose, Tacloban City, Leyte on June 10, 2025. The meeting served as a platform for dialogue on vital peace and order issues and challenges facing Eastern Visayas, including criminality, law enforcement, gender-based violence, illegal drugs, public safety concerns and insurgency.
Key program updates were presented, covering the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and regional health measures on Monkeypox. Another key highlight was the presentation of accomplishment reports from the Special Action Committees (SACs).
The Philippine National Police (PNP), leading the SAC on Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement, reported gains in crime prevention and case resolution. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), as the lead agency for the SAC on Anti-Illegal Drugs, highlighted intensified operations against illegal drug use, rehabilitation, justice and advocacy efforts.
As the lead agency for the SAC on Anti-Insurgency, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army shared updates on operations weakening insurgent presence. The BFP, leading the SAC on Public Safety, reported on fire safety measures, road safety measures, status of jails and other emergency response improvements. The DOJ-Parole and Probation Administration also delivered a special report on reintegration efforts.
The body also discussed preparations for the 2024 Peace and Order Performance Audit. Two resolutions were adopted during the meeting: (1) Resolution Organizing the Regional Peace and Order Council-Eastern Visayas Regional Audit Committee for the 2024 Peace and Order Performance Audit; and (2) Resolution Allocating Two (2) Daily Round-Trip RORO Daytime Operations Under the Libreng Sakay Program for a Period of Three (3) Months, Prioritizing Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The meeting brought together key officials, including RPOC-EV Head Secretariat DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe and Co-Vice-Chairpersons PBGen Jay R. Cumigad of Police Regional Office 8 and MGen Adonis Ariel G. Orio of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The activity also marked Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez’s last RPOC meeting as Chairperson following the conclusion of his term.
The Regional Peace and Order Council continues to stand at the forefront of strengthening strategies for implementing peace and order programs. This commitment drives ongoing initiatives and collaborations with various stakeholders towards a peaceful and orderly Eastern Visayas.
