Iloilo governor assumes RPOC chair post for 2025–2028

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has officially assumed his role as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council for the 2025–2028 term.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, together with DILG Iloilo Province Cluster Head Raymundo Palanog, formally turned over the certificate of appointment and the RPOC flag to Defensor on Nov. 18 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

As RPOC chair, Defensor will also serve as co–vice chairperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, reinforcing the province’s participation in regional peace, security, and development planning.

Defensor expressed gratitude for the trust given to him, noting that the role aligns with ongoing provincial initiatives.

“This is important to us, especially to our Executive Order No. 111, which institutionalizes the Provincial Community Defense Action for MoRProGRes Iloilo — Kapayapaan, Kaayusan at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas, or the 4K for MoRProGRes program. It recognizes that we need peace, order, and resilience for national development,” he said in an interview.

He assured his full support and commitment to maintaining peace, safety, and stability across the region.