By Vhioly Rosatazo and Roel Arizala
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) officially welcomed its new Regional Director, PBGen. Jess B. Mendez, in a turnover of command ceremony held Tuesday, February 24, led by Chief of the Philippine National Police (CPNP) PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership from PBGen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. to PBGen. Mendez, who brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement operations and intelligence management.
Before his appointment to PRO3, Mendez served as Acting Provincial Director and Officer-in-Charge of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, overseeing provincial security operations and anti-criminality campaigns. His previous work in Nueva Ecija gives him deep insight into Central Luzon’s operational landscape.
Mendez also held the position of Senior Executive Assistant to the PNP Chief, overseeing strategic coordination, policy implementation, and operational oversight. He further led intelligence operations in Metro Manila as Chief of the Regional Intelligence Division of the National Capital Region Police Office.
In his assumption speech, PBGen. Mendez stressed that his leadership would be guided by integrity, transparency, accountability, and courage. He vowed to pursue firm and decisive law enforcement actions in line with the PNP Focused Agenda.
Key priorities under his leadership include intensified campaigns against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and unlicensed cigarette manufacturing, as well as continued manhunt operations for wanted individuals. He also emphasized internal cleansing to maintain discipline within the ranks and bolster public trust in the police force.
PBGen. Mendez reaffirmed that PRO3 would advance the “Pulis Central Luzon” banner and remain committed to delivering honest, prompt, and sensitive services —robust in operations, fair in actions, and responsive to community needs.
ia/
