By MA. THERESA LADIAO
In a move seen as a major step toward the full operationalization of the newly reestablished Negros Island Region (NIR), Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay formally assumed office as the director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in NIR yesterday.
Ibay’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the region, which is currently undergoing institutional and structural buildup following the passage of Republic Act No. 12000 that reinstated NIR as a separate administrative region covering Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Ibay replaces Police Brigadier General Benigno Leonud Guzman, and takes over from Brigadier General Jack Wanky, who temporarily held the position as officer-in-charge beginning March 27.
Wanky will now resume his previous post as regional director of the PRO in Western Visayas.
Prior to his assignment to NIR, Ibay served as the Manila Police District director under the National Capital Region Police Office, where he was known for his firm anti-crime stance, community engagement initiatives and crisis management capabilities.
He is expected to bring the same leadership style and strategic direction to the NIR, particularly as the region strengthens its law enforcement foundation amid ongoing transition efforts.
With the creation of NIR, new regional offices for various national government agencies are now being set up across the region.
Ibay’s role as the top police official of NIR is crucial in ensuring peace and order, institutional coordination, and public safety during this critical phase of development.
His leadership also comes at a pivotal time, with the May 12 midterm elections just weeks away.
Law enforcement observers see Ibay’s appointment as a strategic move by Camp Crame, citing his experience in urban policing and his ability to manage high-pressure environments.
His previous role in the highly urbanized and complex environment of Metro Manila is expected to benefit the NIR, which is projected to see rapid growth in population, commerce and infrastructure now that it has regained regional autonomy.
The Philippine National Police has not yet released the date of Ibay’s formal installation ceremony, but transition meetings and coordination activities are reportedly already underway with provincial and city police offices in NIR./MTL, WDJ