By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched a 15-day Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) training program aimed at strengthening community-based policing and improving peace and order efforts at the grassroots level across Negros Island.

The training formally opened at the Regional Information and Training Center (RITC) Building inside Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania on Monday, May 25.

The opening ceremony was led by Police Colonel Lito Patay, chief of PRO-NIR’s Directorate for Regional Development, alongside other regional police officials and personnel.

A total of 50 police personnel from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion are participating in the program.

According to PRO-NIR, the training seeks to enhance the capability of police officers in community immersion, conflict resolution, partnership-building, crime prevention, and responsive public service, particularly at the barangay level.

The R-PSB Program is part of the Philippine National Police’s broader initiative to bring government services closer to communities, especially in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas.

Authorities said the program also supports the government’s campaign against insurgency, terrorism, and criminality through stronger collaboration with local stakeholders.

Officials said participants will undergo updated training and practical exercises focused on addressing community concerns, improving coordination with local government units, and strengthening trust between the police and residents.

PRO-NIR emphasized that the initiative reflects the region’s continuing effort to promote professional, responsive, and community-centered policing while empowering officers to become active partners in community development and public safety./CJ, WDJ