CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), was recognized by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for his contributions to the fight against crime and other lawless activities.

Mendez received a Plaque of Recognition during the VACC’s 28th Founding Anniversary held on Aug. 28, 2026, at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The award cited his anti-criminality accomplishments throughout his police career, including significant operations conducted during his previous assignments in the CALABARZON and National Capital Region.

Among the accomplishments recognized was an intelligence operation Mendez handled while holding the rank of police colonel that resulted in the tracking and arrest of a key personality linked to the Alitagtag, Batangas drug cargo case involving Canadian drug lord Thomas Gordon O’Quinn.

His operations targeting high rollers in casinos, as well as efforts against criminal groups and other lawless elements, were also cited during the recognition.

Now at the helm of PRO3, Mendez has continued to apply his operational and intelligence experience in Central Luzon, with the regional police office strengthening its crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives.

Under his leadership, PRO3 has placed greater emphasis on police visibility, rapid response and community engagement through the Joint Police and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams Mobilization Toward Crime Prevention (JBM) Patrol System.

The system aims to strengthen coordination between police personnel and barangay peacekeeping teams in preventing crimes and maintaining peace and order in communities.

Mendez said the recognition serves as both an acknowledgment of past accomplishments and a reminder of the responsibility to further strengthen police service and public safety.

He emphasized the importance of translating police operations and accomplishments into safer communities and improved service for the people of Central Luzon.

The recognition from VACC comes as PRO3 continues to intensify its campaign against criminality while strengthening partnerships with communities and other stakeholders in maintaining peace and security in the region. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸 Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, regional director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), receives a Plaque of Recognition from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) during its 28th Founding Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Aug. 28, 2026. The award recognizes Mendez’s contributions to the fight against crime and lawless activities throughout his police career. (Jason de Asis)