BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has a new chief following a leadership reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP) aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and sustaining ongoing reforms in the organization.
Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño formally assumed office as acting regional director of PRO-NIR during a ceremonial joint turnover of offices held on May 8 at Camp Crame.
Cardiño replaced Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, who was credited with strengthening operational accomplishments and community-oriented policing initiatives across the region during his tenure.
Ibay has been designated deputy director of the Directorate for Education and Training at PNP national headquarters.
The turnover ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Bernard M. Banac on behalf of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..
In a statement, PRO-NIR said the leadership transition marks a “renewed chapter” for the regional police office as it intensifies its commitment to peace and order, operational effectiveness, and responsive police service throughout the Negros Island Region.
Under Cardiño’s leadership, PRO-NIR is expected to strengthen operations against criminality, illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, and other threats to public safety. The regional office also aims to enhance intelligence-driven and proactive policing strategies across the region.
In a message delivered by Banac, Nartatez underscored the importance of leadership continuity in sustaining reforms under the current PNP administration.
He commended outgoing officials for their dedication and service, citing their contributions to strengthening operational capability, reinforcing organizational discipline, and enhancing public trust in the police force.
At the same time, incoming officials were urged to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in carrying out their mandates.
PRO-NIR also expressed gratitude to Ibay for his “steadfast leadership and significant contributions” in strengthening the regional office’s law enforcement and community policing programs.
The regional police office said it will continue aggressive but lawful operations through enhanced intelligence gathering, improved operational readiness, and swift coordination in responding to criminal activities.
It also pledged stronger collaboration with local government units, community leaders, and partner agencies to ensure a unified approach to addressing peace and order concerns in the region.
“With renewed leadership and strengthened resolve, PRO-NIR moves forward with confidence, driven by a clear mission to deliver more responsive policing, enhance public safety, and uphold lasting peace and order throughout the Negros Island Region,” the statement said./PN
