By JEN BAYLON and MA. THERESA LADIAO

Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) Director Brigadier General Jack Wanky officially assumed his role as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the newly activated police office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) yesterday.

Wanky, during the inauguration yesterday, said he will oversee police operations in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor under PRO-NIR.

“From there, we will identify what we lack, and we know for a fact that there is no budget yet for NIR. That’s why we need to activate it now so we can start with the things that should be done for its full operability,” Wanky said.

“We will start by building up our facilities, equipment, inventory, and everything, including our personnel,” he added.

PRO-NIR will integrate the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Bacolod City Police Office, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, Siquijor Police Provincial Office, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Western Visayas units.

Wanky expressed confidence that he would alternate between Panay and Negros Island while managing dual responsibilities for PRO-NIR and PRO-6.

“Actually, this area — Negros Occidental — was already part of my jurisdiction before. Now it’s just expanded to include Negros Oriental and Siquijor. So, I think it’s manageable,” he added.

The 18th police regional office in the country is expected to enhance coordination and efficiency in law enforcement across the island, with Wanky at the helm during its initial phase.

In an interview, PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Colonel Arnel Solis confirmed the designation but did not provide specific reasons for Wanky’s appointment.

However, he emphasized the general’s qualifications and experience.

“Our regional director is capable of handling the responsibilities of OIC for PRO-NIR due to his extensive experience,” Solis said.

“He has already served as PRO-6 regional director for over a year, and his leadership skills will be valuable in managing the new regional office,” he added.

Other key leadership positions in PRO-NIR have been assumed by Colonel Dennis Araño Esguerra as OIC Deputy Regional Director for Administration, Colonel Gilbert Tanchuan Gorero as OIC Chief of Regional Staff, and Colonel Ronaldo Planco Palomo as OIC of the Regional Operations Management Division.

Despite the activation of PRO-NIR, no immediate reshuffling or reassignment of police personnel has taken place.

According to Solis, officers currently assigned to their respective units within Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental remain in place as operational and administrative matters are being sorted out.

“Right now, the PNP personnel in Negros Island remain in their current assignments. There are no immediate transfers or reshuffling of officers yet, as the transition process is still being arranged,” Solis explained.

He also assured that the PNP’s established organizational structure will allow for a smooth transition and ensure continued law enforcement operations in the region.

“From the regional level down to the municipal level, we have a structured chain of command. Our officers in different units are fully functional and capable of maintaining peace and order,” he added.

As for how long Wanky will serve as OIC of PRO-NIR, Solis said that the decision rests with the PNP national headquarters.

In a statement, the PNP said the activation of the PRO-NIR was based on the National Police Commission’s resolution under Republic Act 12000, which established the region in June 2024./JB, MTL, WDJ