PRO-NIR: New drug group monitored

Posted by siteadmin
August 19, 2025
Posted in TOP STORIES
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region has strengthened its coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard to closely monitor shipments of illegal drugs entering the region. (PDEA-NIR photo)
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region has strengthened its coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard to closely monitor shipments of illegal drugs entering the region. (PDEA-NIR photo)

By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed that they have monitored a new illegal drug group believed to be operating in the region.

PRO-NIR Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay said, while the group is not based in NIR, its downlines and networks are active in Negros, raising concerns over its possible expansion in the area.

To address this, Ibay said they have strengthened coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group to closely monitor shipments of illegal drugs entering NIR.

Weekly meetings are also being conducted with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-NIR to ensure tighter surveillance and more focused operations against drug activities.

Ibay assured that PRO-NIR remains committed to dismantling the networks of major drug groups operating in Negros.

He emphasized that sustained efforts and inter-agency collaboration are crucial to cutting off the supply chain and protecting communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs.

Torre backed amid Napolcom reshuffle 

Meanwhile, Ibay has thrown his support behind the leadership of PNP chief, General Nicolas Torre III, as the top cop faces a dispute with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) over a recent reshuffle of senior officers.

In a solidarity statement, PRO-NIR commended Torre’s “dedication to strengthening professionalism” and recognized his ongoing reforms aimed at improving operational effectiveness, accountability and public trust.

“The men and women of PRO-NIR stand united in expressing our support and solidarity in the leadership of PNP chief Torre in exercising his power and authority under the law,” the statement read.

“The PRO-NIR said that they will rise, united, committed, and proud to serve,” it added.

The support comes in the wake of a legal and procedural clash between the PNP and Napolcom.

Torre had authorized the reassignment of 14 senior police officials, but Napolcom maintained that under Republic Act 6975, its en banc approval is required for personnel movements involving third-level officers, including colonels and generals.

The commission argued that proper procedure was not followed in the revamp.

Permanent HQ sites in Negros eyed

Meanwhile, PRO-NIR is pressing ahead with long-term plans for its operations, including the establishment of a permanent regional headquarters.

Seven potential sites are under consideration: five in Negros Occidental — Kabankalan City, Escalante City, Silay City, San Enrique town, and Murcia town — and two in Negros Oriental — Mabinay town and Guihulngan City.

Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, chief of PRO-NIR Regional Community Relations Division, said the ongoing consultations with local officials and police leadership are focused on ensuring proper legal procedures for donated land and the transparent use of funds for the project.

“Our goal is to establish a strong and stable regional base that will serve the people of Negros Island more effectively,” Gorero said.

The proposed headquarters is seen as both a symbol of stability for the newly created region and a strategic move to enhance public safety across Negros Island./CJ, WDJ

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