Photo: A meeting between the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) held at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on June 17, 2025. APECO and PNP are exploring ways to enhance security in the APECO zone.
(23 June 2025, Quezon City) – To strengthen peace and order, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and CEO Atty Gil G. Taway IV met with Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III on June 17, 2025 at Camp Crame, Quezon City to explore a partnership for creating a safer environment for investors, locators, and nearby communities in the Casiguran-based ecozone.
Also present in the meeting were APECO Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer as well as PNP Director for Logistics Police Major General Neri Vincent D. Ignacio, Acting Director for Intelligence PBGen Wilson Joseph F. Lopez, and PNP Directorate for Operations Deputy Director PBGen Randy Y. Arceo.
PCEO Taway suggested to the PNP chief that the investment promotion agency is open to host police outposts to increase police visibility within APECO.
The site offers unique advantages for training purposes, including the possibility of conducting both land- and water-based drills, given APECO’s diverse terrain and coastal location. Its wide open spaces are suitable for simulated operations, while its proximity to the sea allows for maritime security exercises. The area’s relative isolation also provides a controlled environment ideal for specialized tactical training and disaster response simulations.
During the discussion, the two agencies also explored the possibility of the ecozone hosting a PNP training center with APECO through usufruct.
The meeting also paved the way for APECO and PNP to explore a possible memorandum of agreement (MOA) to cement this cooperation.
Both parties recognized the critical role of security, promoting investor confidence and supporting sustainable development in Aurora.
Future engagements between APECO and PNP are being planned. This meeting marks another step in APECO’s efforts to build strong partnerships that support economic growth while maintaining peace, order, and public safety in Aurora.
