BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government has taken a major step toward modernizing law enforcement and promoting sustainability with the turnover of P14 million worth of electric patrol vehicles to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Ten brand-new electric vehicles (EVs) were formally handed over on Monday, April 27, 2026, during a ceremonial blessing at the Bacolod City Government Center. Officials described the initiative as a shift toward more efficient and cost-effective policing.
The vehicles were received by Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), and Police Col. Eugene N. Rebadomia, BCPO officer-in-charge, from Mayor Greg Gasataya, who led the ceremony.
The local chief executive said the initiative forms part of the city’s broader effort to strengthen peace and order operations while adapting to rising fuel costs.
“This morning, we formally turned over 10 new electric patrol vehicles to the BCPO, complemented by a specialized Tourist Police Mobile Unit from PRO-NIR,” Gasataya said.
He added that the EVs will be deployed across Bacolod City’s 10 police stations.
Gasataya emphasized that transitioning to an electric fleet allows the city to maintain police visibility and mobility without being heavily affected by fluctuations in petroleum prices.
“Amid the global fuel crisis, our uniformed personnel will remain mobile and visible while reducing the burden of fuel costs,” he said.
Police officials welcomed the development, noting the operational strain caused by rising fuel prices on conventional patrol vehicles.
Police Capt. Dax Santillan, BCPO spokesperson, said gasoline-powered patrol units have been significantly affected due to their round-the-clock deployment for patrol, emergency response, and public service.
“With these electric vehicles, fuel will no longer be a major factor affecting routine police operations,” Santillan said.
He added that the shift to EVs signals a “new chapter” for the Bacolod police, highlighting the adoption of technology to improve mobility and efficiency in law enforcement.
PRO-NIR expressed gratitude to the city government, underscoring that the new assets will significantly boost police visibility and operational readiness.
“These vehicles will strengthen patrol efficiency and enable faster, more responsive police services across Bacolod,” the regional office said in a statement.
The statement added that the initiative reflects a growing push to integrate sustainability into public service while maintaining a strong focus on safety and law enforcement.
PRO-NIR also assured the public that the EVs will be maximized to intensify crime prevention efforts and reinforce police presence in communities.
The BCPO committed to delivering more effective and responsive services as it leverages modern equipment to support its mission of maintaining peace and order.
Gasataya described the program as a model of collaboration between local government and law enforcement—one that combines innovation, fiscal responsibility, and environmental awareness.
“With these new assets, Bacolod moves closer to a future that is not only safer but also more sustainable,” he added.
He further said that the city will also purchase similar vehicles for use by various offices in the city government./PN
