Olaso Officially Takes Oath as RPOC-9 Chair

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla formally administered the oath of office to Mayor Khymer Olaso as the new Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Region 9, along with several other local government officials designated to lead RPOC bodies in their respective jurisdictions.

The announcement was confirmed through the official Facebook page of the City Government of Zamboanga, which reported the ceremony on Tuesday.

According to the post, the oath-taking took place during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) and RPOCs Meeting for 2025, held Monday, November 24, at the New Provincial Government Center in Barangay San Agustin, Trece Martires City, Cavite.

Mayor Olaso’s appointment as RPOC-9 Chair was earlier approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. this month, recognizing his leadership and his administration’s initiatives in promoting peace and security in the region.

The joint NPOC–RPOCs gathering convened key national and regional officials to discuss security challenges and enhance inter-agency coordination in addressing peace and order concerns nationwide. The meeting highlighted strategic efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve public safety measures, and reinforce community engagement against emerging security threats.

Mayor Olaso actively participated in the discussions, reaffirming the city government’s commitment to contributing to a safer Zamboanga Peninsula. He emphasized that strong collaboration among agencies and local governments is crucial in sustaining peace and supporting the national government's security priorities.

With his formal assumption as RPOC-9 Chair, Mayor Olaso is expected to play a pivotal role in harmonizing peace and order initiatives across the region, ensuring continuity and cohesion in addressing security issues affecting Zamboanga Peninsula.