Bacolod city: Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), emphasized the collaborative mission of the police and media in serving the public, while urging the latter to consistently hold the Philippine National Police accountable. "But partnership does not mean that you stop asking difficult questions. Quite the opposite. Ask us. Challenge us. Hold us accountable," Reales stated during a meet and greet with reporters at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PRO-NIR chief, who took office on September 7, stressed that a robust police organization should embrace legitimate questions. "We should welcome scrutiny when it helps us improve our service and strengthens the people's trust. And from the police, I make this commitment. We will communicate. We will listen. We will be accessible," he assured.

Reales highlighted the critical role both the police and the media play in their shared mission for peace and order, ensuring community safety. He emphasized that the PRO-NIR's relationship with the media should transcend typical press engagements, fostering a proactive partnership that exists before crises occur.

"We need your voice to educate our communities about crime prevention and public safety. We need your platforms to bring verified information to people when they need it most," Reales elaborated. He further noted the importance of media assistance in combating misinformation, which often spreads more rapidly than truth, urging the media to prioritize facts over fear.

During his inaugural engagement as PRO-NIR chief on September 8, Reales encouraged police personnel in Negros and Siquijor to focus on the fundamentals of policing, particularly crime prevention through an active police presence in communities. PRO-NIR oversees the police departments of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City.