Bacolod City: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has officially activated its 18th Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Negros Island Region (NIR), aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster security and governance in the newly formed region. This move marks a significant step towards enhancing law enforcement and public safety in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that the establishment of the PRO-NIR follows the January 9, 2025 resolution by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) under Republic Act (RA) 12000, which facilitated the creation of this region. The Napolcom resolution approved the administrative and operational transfer of the Police Provincial Offices in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and the Bacolod City Police Office.
Gen. Marbil emphasized that the activation of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region is a crucial advancement towards a more community-focused policing system. This reorganization underscores the commitment of the PNP to maintain peace and order while serving and protecting the residents of Negros Island and its surrounding provinces.
Under the leadership of President Marcos and Gen. Marbil, this transition is a significant stride towards ensuring security and stability in the Negros Island Region. It reflects the administration’s dedication to bringing government services closer to the populace, thereby fostering a safer community environment.
Brig. Gen. Jack Limpayos Wanky has been appointed as the officer-in-charge of the PRO-NIR. Key leadership roles have been filled by Col. Dennis Ara±o Esguerra as the officer-in-charge Deputy Regional Director for Administration, Col. Gilbert Tanchuan Gorero as the officer-in-charge Chief of Regional Staff, and Col. Ronaldo Planco Palomo as the officer-in-charge of the Regional Operations Management Division.
This activation represents a historic milestone in creating a more autonomous and efficient regional police force for the Negros Island Region. The signing of RA 12000 by President Marcos in June 2024 officially expanded the country’s regions to 18, paving the way for this development.
