• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region has a new acting commander in the person of PBrig. Gen. Romano Cardiño.
On Thursday, Cardiño replaced PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, who was designated as the deputy chief for the PNP Directorate for Education and Training.
A major leadership reshuffle within the Philippine National Police was formally carried out during the Ceremonial Joint Turnover of Offices held on May 8, at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, as senior police officials assumed new key assignments in line with the organization’s continuing transformation efforts.
PLt. Gen. Bernard Banac, acting Deputy Chief for Administration, representing PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, presided over the PRO-NIR change of leadership between Cardiño and Ibay, who served as NIR police director for a year and one month.
The assumption of Cardiňo signals renewed energy and momentum for PRO-NIR as it continues to intensify law enforcement operations against criminality, illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, and other threats to public safety, while strengthening intelligence-driven and proactive policing strategies, according to regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong.
Malong also said that the tenure of PBrig. Gen. Ibay strengthened the foundation of operational accomplishments and community-oriented policing initiatives that continue to benefit the region.
With the assignment of Cardiño as acting PRO-NIR chief, she said the PRO NIR will sustain aggressive yet lawful operations through intensified intelligence-driven law enforcement, enhanced operational readiness, and swift coordinated responses to criminal activity. It will likewise strengthen collaboration with local government units, community leaders, and partner agencies to ensure a unified approach in addressing peace and order concerns.
Nartatez, in his message delivered by Banac, underscored the importance of leadership continuity in maintaining operational momentum and sustaining the reforms initiated under the present Philippine National Police administration.
He commended Ibay and other senior police officials for their dedication and service, emphasizing their vital role in strengthening operational capability, reinforcing organizational discipline, and enhancing public trust. He likewise challenged the incoming leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the performance of their respective mandates.*
