The Regional Peace and Order Council III convened for a Special Meeting on April 13, 2015 at the Oxford Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio M. Umali, Chairman of the RPOC, called for a special meeting to clarify some matters arising from the RPOC Regular Meeting last March 19, 2015 particularly on the dangerous-drug situation in the region which was reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The said special meeting was attended by the governors, mayors, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Presidents and the representatives of various NGAs who are members of the Council.

   Updates on the dangerous drug situation and other drug-related concerns were discussed by the Council. PDEA Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio enumerated the operational accomplishments of PDEA in 2014 and its continuous thrust and efforts to reduce the drug demand. He likewise expressed his gratitude for the unending support the Council has extended to their office of which PDEA RO III was ranked as the Best PDEA Regional Office for Fiscal Year 2014.

   On anti-criminality and public safety, details on the crime volume per province/huc, were presented by PSupt Adriano Enong, Jr. of the PNP RO III. Profile on the firefighting capabilities of the region was reported by FCSupt Aloveel Ferrer, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection which showed the need for firetrucks and other firefighting equipment. Both agencies have also raised concerns on the scarcity of manpower.

   The meeting was concluded with a positive statement from the Chairman that peace and order will be fully achieved through the empowerment of community involvement with the cooperation and support from the government.