LA UNION. Philippines — Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega formally assumed his role as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Ilocos Region (RPOC) after taking his oath of office at the Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando, La Union, on August 24, 2026.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr., CESO III administered the oath to Gov. Mario, marking his formal assumption of the new responsibility.

With this designation, Gov. Mario shall spearhead and strengthen collaborative efforts among government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in implementing programs and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety, preventing crime, and addressing security concerns across the Ilocos Region.