By CESAR JOLITO III

The Sagay City government officially donated a three-hectare property in Barangay General Luna for the establishment of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU), a move seen to strengthen police training and law enforcement capacity in the region.

The donation was formalized through a deed of donation signed by Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva, acting under Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2026-120 dated March 20, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), represented by Police Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, PNP Training Service acting director.

The signing ceremony was held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall on June 9.

The project is expected to establish a permanent training facility for future police officers assigned to NIR, addressing long-term needs in police education, preparedness and operational readiness.

Cueva said the initiative represents both an investment in law enforcement capability and in the broader development of the city and the region.

He noted that the city immediately studied the proposal after it was presented by police officials earlier this year before identifying the Barangay General Luna property as a suitable site.

He added that the facility is expected to generate wider benefits, including local economic activity, educational opportunities for criminology students, and stronger community engagement in public safety programs.

Suguilon said the training center represents a shared investment in building safer and more resilient communities.

He also assured that the facility will serve not only as a training ground for police personnel but also as a hub for broader community-focused initiatives such as disaster response, youth engagement, and development programs./CCJ, WDJ