The Zambales provincial government has formalized a strengthened partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to advance peace, security, and development across the province.

The collaboration was sealed through a joint declaration signed on Friday, November 28, at Balin Sambali by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun, together with key officials from the country’s uniformed services. Signatories included BGen Cesar A. Molina of the AFP Northern Luzon Command; BGen Mario D. Jacinto of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division; P/Col Reynaldo S. Ogay Jr. of the PNP Region III; PCG CDR Mhar N. Ventura of the CGK9–EOD Force; and Philippine Army 69th Infantry Battalion Commander Mark Anthony B. Ruelos.

Ebdane, who chairs both the provincial and regional Peace and Order Councils, underscored that long-term development is rooted in strong cooperation between local government units and uniformed forces. “Peace and security should be a collaborative effort because the community is part of the justice system,” he said.

Under the declaration, uniformed agencies commit to working closely with LGUs, the Peace and Order Council, and other stakeholders to maintain Zambales’ State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS). The agreement also recognizes the PNP-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) program as the guiding framework for interagency coordination and calls for robust operational collaboration through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center and the implementation of Joint Operational Plan “Sanib Pwersa” Zambales.

Ebdane also highlighted the importance of addressing the social roots of conflict. Many individuals, he said, are drawn into insurgency due to poverty, injustice, and poor governance—issues his administration is tackling through investments in education, health, livelihood, and equitable resource distribution.

Zambales reaffirmed its SSIPS status and adopted the PACE program as its primary peace and security framework last September 23. According to DILG Zambales OIC-Provincial Director Melissa D. Nipal, the province has been among the most peaceful in the country for the past two years, a status that continues to attract investments and create economic opportunities for residents.