Published on: January 12, 2024 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – The CY 2023 4th Quarter Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IX Meeting, which played a crucial role in tackling the Peace and Order, Public Safety, and Security concerns of Region IX, took place at the Provincial Atrium within the Provincial Capitol, Ipil Heights, Zamboanga Sibugay. 

Presided over by the Provincial Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer, the RPOC IX gathering witnessed the enthusiastic involvement of prominent individuals dedicated to upholding peace and order. Among them were Vice Chair PBGEN Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, who serves as the Regional Director of PNP-PRO IX, and MGEN Gabriel C. Viray III, the Commander of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division, PA. Assisting in the smooth conduct of the proceedings was Head Secretariat RD Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III of DILG IX, accompanied by 38 members representing various Regional Line Agencies and LGUs.

The proceedings commenced with the dignified Oath-Taking Ceremony for the recently appointed Vice Chairperson of RPOC IX, PBGEN Bowenn Joey M. Masauding. This pivotal event served as a noteworthy milestone in the council’s leadership, establishing the framework for the ensuing in-depth discussions. 

Governor Hofer skillfully led the proceedings as the Order of Business smoothly addressed crucial operational issues of the RPOC. The session began with Head Secretariat Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, presenting the agenda and overseeing the review of the minutes from the previous meeting.  

The focal point of the deliberations centered on the latest developments concerning Peace and Order, Public Safety, as well as initiatives related to Anti-Insurgency, Anti-Terrorism, and Anti-Illegal Drug Operations in Zamboanga Peninsula. PBGEN Bowenn Joey M. Masauding offered informative updates on the regional security landscape, MGEN Gabriel C. Viray, III discussed progress in the Anti-Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism Campaign, and Dr. Laurefel P. Gabales, Regional Director of PDEA IX, presented an in-depth status report on Anti-Illegal Drug Operations. 

Additional important topics covered the direction provided for the Oslo Joint Communique signing by MGEN Rene Glen Paje (Ret) and the overview of the Performance Audit Results for the RPOC IX CY 2022, presented by Head Secretariat, RD Abutazil. 

Chaired by the Hon. Dulce Ann K. Hofer, the Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, the meeting was skillfully directed to uphold its emphasis on nurturing regional peace and order. Her leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in the successful conduct of the proceedings. 

This engagement served as evidence of ZamPen’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of its residents. The collective endeavors of RPOC members play a pivotal role in confronting challenges and upholding peace and order in the region.