The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is gearing up for an intensified campaign against illegal drugs under the command of Colonel Eugene Rebadomia, who succeeded Colonel Joeresty Coronica as the city’s police chief on Monday, February 9.

In an interview yesterday, Rebadomia, who assumed the post as officer-in-charge, said Mayor Greg Gasataya had directed him to focus on the all-out fight against illegal drugs, which is similar to the directive of Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region.

“We will continue the job started by the former city director, and we will intensify the operations against illegal drugs. The mayor is very much concerned with the illegal drug problem,” Rebadomia, who is a Bacolodnon himself, added.

Gasataya assured the new BCPO chief of continued support to the city’s police force, as he noted the importance of the campaign against illegal drugs as a means to curb other illegal activities in the city.

“Most crimes start in illegal drugs and he [Rebadomia] gave his commitment to me,” the mayor said.

During Coronica’s term as police city director from June 23, 2024 to January 9, 2026, the BCPO seized about 33,282 grams of shabu valued at P227.844 million and arrested 1,167 drug personalities in 897 police operations.

Meanwhile, Ibay urged Rebadomia to lead with integrity, uphold discipline, care for personnel, and strengthen coordination with the local government and other stakeholders.

“Let this transition remind us that while leadership changes, our mission remains the same: to serve the people, uphold the rule of law,” he added. (PNA)