The Regional Peace and Order Council-National Capital Region (RPOC-NCR) conducted its second quarter and end-of-term meeting on June 10, 2022 in Parañaque City, with the theme “Three Years of Shaping and Strengthening Peace and Order: Celebrating the Frontiers of Governance and Leadership of the Peace and Order Councils amid the Pandemic.”

RPOC-NCR partner agencies presented their respective reports covering the general peace and order and security situation in Metro Manila, as did the Council’s Special Action Committees (SACs) on their respective concerns.

PMGen Felipe R Natividad, Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and RPOC-NCR Vice-Chairperson, briefed the Council on the peace and order situation in Metro Manila, which was generally peaceful for the second quarter of 2022.

National Intelligence Coordinating Agency – NCR (NICA-NCR) Assistant Regional Director Maria Cristina Versoza followed up with an assessment of the post-election threat in the region. While threats to national security and public order continue to exist, these remain on the radar of the country’s security forces.

The Interim National Peace and Order Council Secretariat, represented by Ms. Alyssa Briones, reiterated the Guidelines on the Management of Confidential Funds, as well as other POC-related processes and forms.

DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, in turn, discussed the results of the region-wide POC and Anti-Drug Advisory Councils (ADACs) audits, highlighting key findings and recommendations for further enhancement of LGU anti-illegal drug efforts.

The meeting was capped with an audio-visual presentation of the end-of-term reports by the SACs covering their respective areas of concern.

Following adjournment of the meeting, the event shifted to the End-of-Term Review and Recognition, marking the conclusion of the three-year tenure of RPOC-NCR Chairman Edwin L. Olivarez.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, RPOC-NCR Head Secretariat, gave the welcoming remarks for the event, which was attended by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes; representatives of other NCR mayors; Regional Directors of national government agencies or their representatives; and officers of the member Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

MMDA Chairman Artes delivered a special message of appreciation to RPOC-NCR, as did NCRPO Regional Director PMGen. Felipe R. Natividad, who conveyed his own message of thanks and solidarity with the RPOC-NCR on behalf of PLTGen. Vicente D. Danao, Jr., the current OIC of the Philippine National Police, who also previously served as Vice-Chairperson of the Council.

The 17 Local Chief Executives of the NCR delivered a short tribute expressing their appreciation to RPOC-NCR and Chairman Olivarez and the important work he undertook to keep the entire region safe and fully functional, especially at the height of the pandemic.

Accomplishments of the 17 LPOCs for the 2019-2022 term were also highlighted in an audio-visual presentation. The term was dominated by the COVID-19 response of the LPOCs, whose collective efforts contributed significantly to controlling the spread of the virus and mitigating its worst effects on the general population.

Special tokens of commendation were also awarded to Local Chief Executives; the PNP, AFP, BFP, and other NGAs represented in the Council; CSOs; Local Leagues; and the key functionaries of the RPOC-NCR Secretariat.

The penultimate address was delivered by DILG Undersecretary Iringan on behalf of DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año. The Secretary commended Chairman Olivarez for his leadership in the darkest days of the pandemic and the impactful policies that were developed to address the myriad concerns under the auspices of RPOC-NCR.

Chairman Olivarez concluded the festivities with his End-of-Term Message, thanking all who contributed to the success of RPOC-NCR. His message included special mentions of Regional Director Agustin, the DILG City Director of Paranaque City, the LCEs of NCR, the regional heads of NGAs, CSOs, and the many partners and collaborators who helped the RPOC-NCR excel under his leadership.