By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recognized police personnel who led successful operations against illicit cigarette smuggling and illegal drugs at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania yesterday.

The ceremony was presided over by PRO-NIR Director Brigadier General Romano Cardiño and attended by Alvin Mojica, National Police Commission’s head executive assistant of the Office of the Chairperson, who underscored the importance of professionalism, dedication and excellence in public service.

Among those honored with the Medalya ng Kagalingan were Police Major Mac Arthur Avilla and Police Corporal Jefferson Omoyon of the Regional Intelligence Division for their role in an intelligence-driven operation conducted on May 16 in Negros Oriental’s Basay town.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of around 700 master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately P40.11 million and the arrest of 10 individuals.

Meanwhile, Police Lt. Richard Legada and Patrolman Jurry Navarro of the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their participation in a buy-bust operation on May 19 in Bacolod City’s Barangay 31.

The anti-drug operation led to the arrest of a high-value individual and the seizure of more than 4.18 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P28.44 million, along with various drug paraphernalia.

PRO-NIR said the awards recognize personnel whose intelligence-driven operations and law enforcement efforts contributed significantly to the campaign against organized criminal activities.

The police regional office added that the accomplishments reflect the agency’s continuing commitment to strengthening public safety, enforcing the law, and maintaining peace and order./CCJ, WDJ