CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 formally welcomed its newly designated Regional Director during a turnover of command ceremony held on Tuesday (Feb. 24) and presided over by Chief, Philippine National Police, P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
The ceremony marked the official transition of leadership from Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. to Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, signaling continuity in peace and order efforts across Central Luzon.
Gen. Mendez brings with him extensive experience in intelligence and operations. He previously served as Acting Provincial Director and Officer-in-Charge of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, where he supervised provincial law enforcement operations and anti-criminality campaigns. His prior assignment in Nueva Ecija gives him familiarity with the operational landscape of Central Luzon.
Before his designation to PRO3, he served as Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief, PNP, providing direct executive support in strategic coordination, policy implementation, and operational oversight. He also led intelligence operations in Metro Manila as Chief of the Regional Intelligence Division of the National Capital Region Police Office.
In his assumption message, Gen. Mendez underscored that his leadership in PRO3 will be anchored on integrity, transparency, courage and accountability . He emphasized strict but judicious law enforcement actions aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda.
Among his priority thrusts are the sustained campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, illegal manufacturing of cigarettes, and the intensified manhunt operations against wanted persons. He also reiterated his commitment to internal cleansing, ensuring discipline within the ranks and strengthening public trust in the organization.
He stressed that PRO3 will continue to move forward under the banner of “Pulis Central Luzon” delivering Serbisyong Tapat, Mabilis, at Nararamdaman — firm in operations, fair in actions, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Meanwhile, Gen. Peñones has been designated as Acting Director of the PNP Directorate for Operations, where he will oversee nationwide operational policies and strategies of the Philippine National Police.
With the leadership transition complete, the men and women of PRO3 reaffirmed their commitment to remain united, professional, and mission-focused in serving the people of Central Luzon. (UnliNews Online)
