By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, newly appointed officer-in-charge of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), has vowed strict discipline and full commitment to public service.
Ibay, joined by his family, was welcomed with arrival honors Monday at the temporary PRO-NIR headquarters inside the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania.
Police Col. Dennis Esguerra, PRO-NIR deputy regional director for administration, led the ceremony.
In his message, Ibay emphasized accountability at all levels and announced a zero-tolerance policy on police misconduct.
“We will not tolerate rogue actions of personnel,” he said.
He reiterated the Philippine National Police’s mission to serve and protect, anchored on the “3Cs” — crime prevention, crime solution and community partnership.
He said crime prevention remains the foundation of police work, but swift resolution is crucial when crimes occur.
He stressed the need for strong collaboration with communities and stakeholders to ensure the region’s safety and peace.
“We can only succeed when our bond with the community and stakeholders is strong, resilient and mutually empowering,” he said.
Ibay also vowed strict adherence to police procedures, operational readiness and effective management of resources and personnel.
“Being appointed as officer-in-charge, I have no agenda of my own,” he said.
“In assuming this role, I carried only one objective: that we conduct ourselves with absolute fidelity to the intentions of public service.”
During the ceremony, Ibay met Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo provincial director; Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod City Police Office director; Police Col. Ronan Claravall, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office director; and Police Col. Emelie Santos, Siquijor Police Provincial Office director.
A member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1996, Ibay previously served as deputy regional director for operations of PRO-6 in Iloilo City and later as director of the Manila Police District under the National Capital Region Police Office.
The PRO-NIR was officially reactivated March 27, with PRO-6 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky initially designated as temporary officer-in-charge.
