Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A leadership transition at Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on February 24 signaled not just a change in command, but a renewed emphasis on operational discipline, accountability, and sustained anti-criminality efforts across Central Luzon.

Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez formally assumed post as Regional Director of PRO3 in a turnover of command ceremony presided over by Chief, Philippine National Police, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. He succeeded Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., who has been designated as Acting Director of the PNP Directorate for Operations.

The change in leadership comes at a time when Central Luzon continues to confront challenges ranging from illegal drugs and loose firearms to organized criminal activities. In his assumption message, Mendez framed his administration as reform-driven yet continuity-focused, aligning regional priorities with the broader PNP Focused Agenda.

“Our actions will be anchored on integrity, transparency, courage, and accountability,” Mendez said, emphasizing that law enforcement operations will be firm but judicious, and always within the bounds of the law.

Mendez brings to PRO3 a background rooted in intelligence and executive coordination. Prior to his designation, he served as Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief, PNP, where he was directly involved in strategic planning and operational oversight at the national level. He also previously led the Regional Intelligence Division of the National Capital Region Police Office, overseeing intelligence operations in Metro Manila.

His earlier stint as Acting Provincial Director and Officer-in-Charge of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office provides him with operational familiarity within Central Luzon, particularly in supervising anti-criminality campaigns and provincial law enforcement initiatives.

Under his leadership, PRO3 is expected to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs, curb the proliferation of loose firearms, address illegal cigarette manufacturing, and strengthen manhunt operations against wanted persons. He also underscored internal cleansing as a parallel priority, reinforcing discipline within the ranks to sustain public trust.

Meanwhile, Peñones’ designation to the PNP Directorate for Operations places him in charge of overseeing nationwide operational policies and strategies — a move viewed by observers as recognition of his command experience in Central Luzon.

With the turnover completed, PRO3 personnel reaffirmed their commitment to uphold professionalism and unity under the banner of “Pulis Central Luzon,” delivering “Serbisyong Tapat, Mabilis, at Nararamdaman” to communities across the region. The transition underscores the PNP’s continuing effort to balance leadership continuity with institutional reforms, as law enforcement agencies adapt to evolving security and governance demands in one of the country’s most economically vital regions. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: Leadership transition at PRO3 marks a renewed push for disciplined, intelligence-driven policing in Central Luzon, as Police Brig. General Jess B. Mendez assumes command and commits to integrity, accountability, and sustained anti-criminality operations under the banner of “Serbisyong Tapat, Mabilis, at Nararamdaman.” (Jason de Asis)