House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in a speech before the third quarterly meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Region VIII (RPOC-8), underscored the need to address what he said were the most pressing concerns of the region which include the state of criminality, peace and order, the challenges of drug-related issues and insurgency.

Such issues not only impact Region VIII but reverberate throughout our nation,” the Speaker added.

He called on council members to help create a peaceful region through collaborative decision-making.

“The aspirations of our families, the dreams of our youth, and the well-being of our communities hinge upon our decisions,” said Romualdez.

“Our objective remains clear – a safer, more prosperous, and united Region 8,” the Speaker stressed.

The RPOC-8 is a government platform which brings together local government units, law enforcement agencies and the community in Eastern Visayas to help fight criminality, illegal drugs, insurgency and violent extremism. It is chaired by the Speaker's first cousin, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez with Gen. Vincent Calanoga, acting director of PNP Regional Office 8, and Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th infantry Division as vice co-chairpersons.

Sources: Inquirer.Net, the Philippine Army FB page and the Manila Bulletin