CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Police Regional Office 3 has formally welcomed its new regional director in a turnover of command ceremony presided over by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. at Camp Julian Olivas here on Feb. 24.
The police command transitioned from BGen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. to BGen. Jess B. Mendez, signaling continuity in peace and order efforts across Central Luzon.
Peñones Jr. has been designated as acting director of the PNP Directorate for Operations, where he will oversee nationwide operational policies and strategies.
Mendez brings with him an extensive experience in intelligence and operations having previously served as acting provincial director-OIC of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, where he supervised provincial law enforcement operations and anti-criminality campaigns. That assignment specially gives him familiarity with the operational landscape of Central Luzon.
Immediately before this designation to PRO3, Mendez 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 message at his assumption of PRO-3, Mendez underscored that his leadership in Central Luzon will be anchored on integrity, transparency, courage and accountability, citing 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. PRO-3
