By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) officially welcomed Police Brigadier General Romano Cardiño as its new acting regional director following a ceremonial turnover of command held at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday, as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Cardiño assumed command from Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay during the joint turnover ceremony presided over by Police Lt. General Bernard Banac, acting deputy chief for administration, representing PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr.
The reassignment forms part of the PNP’s continuing reorganization aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, institutional discipline, and public trust under its “focused agenda.”
In a statement, PRO-NIR said Cardiño brings with him extensive leadership and operational experience, signaling “renewed energy and momentum” for the police force across the region.
The regional office said the new leadership will prioritize intensified operations against criminality, illegal drugs, loose firearms, and wanted persons while strengthening intelligence-driven and proactive policing strategies.
PRO-NIR also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive but lawful law enforcement operations through enhanced operational readiness, faster response to crimes, and stronger coordination with local government units and partner agencies.
Meanwhile, PRO-NIR expressed gratitude to Ibay for his “steadfast leadership and significant contributions” that strengthened operational accomplishments and community-oriented policing programs in the region.
Ibay will be designated as deputy director of the directorate for education and training at the PNP national headquarters.
During the ceremony, Banac conveyed Nartatez’s message, emphasizing the importance of leadership continuity in sustaining reforms and maintaining operational momentum within the police organization.
He also challenged incoming officials to uphold professionalism, integrity, accountability, and responsive public service in carrying out their mandates.
The turnover ceremony also included key leadership changes in other police units nationwide, including the Northern Police District, PRO-Mimaropa, PRO-Ilocos Region, and the directorate for comptrollership, as part of the PNP’s continuing organizational transformation efforts./CJ, WDJ