BACOLOD City — Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) chief Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño said the first 100 days of his leadership have focused on strengthening law enforcement, emergency response, community engagement and police readiness across the region.
From May 8 to August 16, PRO-NIR conducted 761 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 822 individuals and the seizure of 19,975.81 grams of suspected shabu and 1,422 grams of marijuana, with a combined estimated value of P136 million.
The campaign against loose firearms also resulted in 503 operations, including 28 search warrant implementations. Police confiscated 255 firearms, received 264 unlicensed firearms through surrender, and arrested 92 individuals.
Meanwhile, 1,161 wanted persons were arrested, while 362 anti-illegal gambling operations led to 808 arrests and the confiscation of P152,935 in gambling proceeds.
PRO-NIR also carried out 526 operations against cigarette smuggling, resulting in 25 arrests and the seizure of cigarettes valued at approximately P75.47 million.
At the community level, police recorded 81,137 operations involving violations of local ordinances. Of those apprehended or monitored, 31,433 were fined while 49,704 were warned.
These operations coincided with declines in several major crime indicators.
Total crime incidents dropped by 11.83 percent, from 2,502 incidents recorded from January 27 to May 7 to 2,206 incidents from May 8 to August 16.
The Peace and Order Indicator also decreased by 5.48 percent, from 1,917 to 1,812 incidents.
Index Crime Volume posted a 19.19-percent decline, from 297 to 240 incidents, with decreases recorded in homicide, murder, physical injury, motorcycle carnapping and theft.
The region’s eight focus crimes likewise declined by 19.59 percent, from 296 to 238 incidents. Murder decreased by 24.39 percent, homicide by 46.34 percent, physical injury by 38.24 percent, theft by 7.02 percent, and motorcycle carnapping by 38.46 percent.
The Public Safety Indicator registered a 32.65-percent decline, equivalent to 191 fewer incidents, largely due to reductions in damage to property, physical injury and homicide arising from vehicular incidents.
However, PRO-NIR noted that rape cases increased by 6.82 percent, while robbery rose by 13.64 percent, highlighting the need for continued police visibility, prevention programs, focused investigation and community-based interventions.
One of Cardiño’s major initiatives during his first 100 days was the launch of the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program on June 4.
From its launch through August 16, the emergency line received 364 calls, which resulted in 53 arrests.
PRO-NIR said the program is intended to strengthen public confidence by making police assistance more accessible during emergencies.
The regional police office said the first 100 days should not be viewed as a finish line but as a foundation for sustained police action.
The decline in major crime indicators and the operational accomplishments, it added, provide measurable signs of progress while identifying gaps and emerging threats that require continued attention.
As the Negros Island Region strengthens its institutions as a relatively new police region, PRO-NIR said it remains committed to providing a police service that is decisive against criminality, responsive during emergencies, accountable and closely connected with communities.
For Cardiño, the milestone represents the beginning of a continuing effort to build a safer, stronger and more responsive Negros Island Region where police service is not only present but accessible, dependable and felt by the people./PN
