BACOLOD City — Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales formally assumed command as the new regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) on September 7, succeeding Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, who has been reassigned to the Police Regional Office 8.
Reales officially took over during a turnover ceremony at Camp General Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City, ushering in new leadership for the young regional police office as it continues to strengthen law enforcement and public safety operations across Negros Island.
A member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1996 “Kaagapay,” Reales previously served as chief of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) under the Civil Security Group (CSG).
He brings extensive police service and leadership experience to PRO-NIR, which is tasked with maintaining peace and order, protecting lives and property, preventing and solving crimes, and responding to the needs of communities throughout the Negros Island Region.
Upon assuming office, Reales emphasized a people-centered approach to policing, with focus on effective law enforcement, public safety, personnel development, and stronger partnerships with local government units, government agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.
PRO-NIR said Reales is also expected to strengthen the capabilities, discipline and professionalism of its personnel, emphasizing that an effective police organization depends on competent, accountable and dedicated officers.
His assumption comes as PRO-NIR continues to establish its organization, systems and operational capabilities as a relatively new regional police office.
Meanwhile, Cardiño formally concluded his tour of duty as PRO-NIR regional director on September 6 after nearly four months at the helm.
From May 8 to September 6, Cardiño led intensified operations against illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, illegal gambling, cigarette smuggling and violations of local ordinances.
PRO-NIR reported conducting 792 anti-illegal drug operations, including two search warrant implementations, resulting in the arrest of 1,039 drug personalities and the seizure of 21,552.56 grams of shabu and 1,442.50 grams of marijuana with a reported standard drug price of P146.73 million.
The campaign against loose firearms involved 545 operations, including 38 search warrant implementations. Police confiscated 272 firearms, received 286 unlicensed firearms surrendered to authorities and arrested 107 individuals.
Intelligence-driven and manhunt operations also led to the arrest of 2,078 wanted persons.
PRO-NIR further reported 435 operations against illegal gambling, resulting in 973 arrests and the confiscation of P192,076.
In its campaign against cigarette smuggling, the regional police office conducted 590 operations, resulting in 33 arrests and the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at P81.49 million.
Police units also recorded 122,697 violations of local ordinances during Cardiño’s tenure. Of the violators, 45,592 were fined while 77,100 were warned.
One of Cardiño’s key initiatives was the establishment of the SAFE NIR DIAL 911 Program, which provided residents with a direct channel for emergency assistance.
The initiative formed part of his flagship SAFE NIR Program, which stands for Seen, Appreciated, Felt and Extraordinary Police Service. It emphasized police visibility, accessibility, responsiveness and community trust.
As Reales assumes leadership, PRO-NIR is expected to sustain its campaign against criminality and security threats while further strengthening police visibility, responsiveness and community partnerships across Negros Island./PN
