PRO-NIR Celebrates First Anniversary with Major Law Enforcement Achievements
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) commemorated its first year of dedicated service with a ceremony on Sunday, January 25, 2025, in front of the PRO-NIR Admin Building at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City. This event also served as a National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44, honoring fallen officers.
Significant Arrests and Anti-Criminality Operations
From March 27, 2025, to March 20, 2026, PRO-NIR achieved a remarkable milestone by arresting a total of 3,841 wanted persons across the region. This figure includes 693 individuals classified as most wanted persons and 3,148 others facing various criminal charges. Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, emphasized that these arrests resulted from coordinated anti-criminality operations conducted by multiple units.
Key operating units involved in these efforts include:
- Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo)
- Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo)
- Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO)
- Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO)
Malong highlighted that over the past year, PRO-NIR has not only upheld the rule of law but has also demonstrated operational excellence through vigilance, courage, and professionalism. These efforts are central to the organization's mission of protecting communities and safeguarding citizen welfare.
Intensified Campaign Against Illegal Drugs
During the same period, PRO-NIR ramped up its anti-illegal drug campaign, conducting 2,281 operations across the region. These operations led to the arrest of 2,708 drug personalities and the seizure of approximately 44,997.57 grams of shabu and 12,993.01 grams of marijuana. The estimated market value of these confiscated substances is P307,542,637, dealing a significant blow to the regional drug trade.
All suspects arrested in these drug operations have been charged with violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Additional Law Enforcement Campaigns
PRO-NIR also made strides in other areas of law enforcement:
- Illegal Firearms: The campaign against illegal firearms resulted in the arrest of 374 individuals, confiscation of 1,601 loose firearms, and voluntary surrender of 177 unlicensed firearms.
- Illegal Fishing: A total of 232 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 657 individuals. Authorities seized fish worth P321,775 and fishing paraphernalia valued at P13,081,550, efforts aimed at protecting marine resources and promoting sustainable practices.
- Smuggling: PRO-NIR recorded 171 operations against smuggling, arresting 85 individuals and confiscating smuggled items worth approximately P22,365,648. This strengthens lawful trade and curbs illicit commerce in the region.
Leadership Recognition and Future Commitments
Malong attributed these achievements to PRO-NIR's relentless, intelligence-driven, and community-focused approach to law enforcement. She noted that the operational success is a testament to the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of PRO-NIR personnel, as well as strong partnerships with local communities and stakeholders.
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, praised the operating units during the anniversary celebration. "As we celebrate the first anniversary of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, I extend my deepest gratitude to all our personnel for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of justice," Ibay stated.
He commended personnel for demonstrating extraordinary courage, discipline, and resolve in safeguarding communities, apprehending wanted persons, dismantling criminal syndicates, and enforcing the law with integrity. Ibay added that these accomplishments reflect the collective vigilance and steadfast commitment of the men and women in uniform.
Looking ahead, Ibay reaffirmed PRO-NIR's commitment to its mission. "Moving forward, we remain resolute in our mission to protect the people, strengthen public safety, and sustain peace and order across the region. One year, One Mission, One Secure Negros Island Region," he declared.
As PRO-NIR marks this significant milestone, the organization vows to continue its relentless law enforcement efforts, unwavering public service, and pursuit of a safer, more secure Negros Island. This includes intensifying campaigns against criminality, upholding the rule of law, and fostering resilient communities where citizens can live in peace, safety, and prosperity.
