BACOLOD – The top police official in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has issued a stern reminder on ethical conduct to all personnel following a recent shooting incident involving police officers.
Reminder Issued After Negros Oriental Incident
Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director, Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, directed all Philippine National Police (PNP) members to strictly follow Section 3.1 of the PNP Ethical Doctrine. This call for renewed discipline comes after police officers were involved in a shooting event in Negros Oriental on January 9, 2026.
General Ibay emphasized that police officers are bound by higher standards due to the public authority and trust placed in them. He stated that any behavior, whether on or off duty, that undermines integrity, discipline, and professionalism will face strict consequences.
What the PNP Ethical Doctrine Mandates
The specific provision cited, Section 3.1, requires PNP members to be role models. It explicitly forbids them from being involved with, patronizing, or tolerating establishments like houses of ill repute, illegal gambling dens, or other vice-related businesses. The only exception is when such presence is part of an official duty within their assigned responsibility.
Ibay stressed that ethical accountability is inseparable from legal accountability. He noted that diligent observance of the ethical doctrine is crucial to preventing incidents that risk lives and damage the public's faith in the police force.
Commitment to Law and Order Upheld
The regional director reiterated the PNP's unwavering commitment to ethical policing, accountability, and the rule of law. To ensure the message is fully understood and implemented, Ibay has ordered all unit commanders to clearly communicate this reminder to their personnel and enforce it strictly within their respective areas of responsibility.
This move underscores the leadership's focus on maintaining the highest standards of morality and decency within the ranks of the PRO-NIR following the unsettling event.
