By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) formally broke ground for the construction of Police Station 9 in Bacolod City’s Barangay Cabug, marking a key step in strengthening police presence and public safety services in one of Bacolod City’s rapidly growing areas.
The ceremony held yesterday underscored the Philippine National Police’s push to improve infrastructure aimed at faster response times, wider patrol coverage and closer engagement with local communities.
The activity was led by PRO-NIR Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, represented by Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, chief of the Regional Comptrollership Service, and was attended by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Also present was Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica, other police officials and stakeholders.
Once completed, Police Station 9 is expected to enhance the BCPO’s operational capacity through improved office facilities, custodial areas and dedicated spaces for community-oriented services.
Authorities said the new station will help decongest existing police units while boosting visibility and patrol operations in nearby neighborhoods.
In a message read during the ceremony, Ibay said the project reflects PRO-NIR’s guiding principle, “PRO-NIR ALPHA: Leading the First, Building the Future,” emphasizing that modern and well-equipped facilities are essential to effective, people-centered policing.
He stressed that police stations serve not only as operational hubs but also as foundations for public trust and accountability.
Gasataya welcomed the project, citing the city government’s continued support for initiatives that promote peace and order amid Bacolod’s urban expansion.
PRO-NIR said the construction of Police Station 9 forms part of its broader effort to modernize police infrastructure across the region through partnerships with local governments and stakeholders, ensuring accessible, responsive and professional police service for the public./CJ, WDJ