BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) welcomed 28 new members into its ranks during a formal oath-taking ceremony held on Friday, December 26, 2025. The event took place at the regional headquarters, Camp Alfredo M. Monteclaro Sr., located in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.
Ceremony Led by Top PRO-NIR Officials
The induction was presided over by PRO-NIR Director, Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay. He was joined by key regional officers including Colonel Jovito Atancio and Colonel Jacob Crisistomo, alongside the regional staff. The families and friends of the new police personnel were also present to witness the significant milestone.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, who heads the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, confirmed the details of the new intake. The group of 28 new police recruits is composed of eight females and twenty males. Their oath of office marks their official entry into the Philippine National Police (PNP).
A Commitment to Service and Integrity
By taking their oath, the recruits formally committed to upholding the Constitution, enforcing the law, and serving the Filipino people with the core values of integrity, discipline, and professionalism. The reading of their official appointment orders was conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Joel Senogat, deputy of the PRO-NIR's Regional Personnel and Records Management Division.
In his address, Brigadier General Ibay described the day as a proud and meaningful moment, signaling the start of the new officers' journey in public service. He emphasized that their oath represents a heartfelt pledge to serve with honor.
All 28 officers originally hail from the Zamboanga Region. General Ibay acknowledged the personal sacrifice involved in leaving their families to serve on Negros Island, praising their dedication to national service and the ideals of the PNP.
Guidance for New Guardians of Peace
The regional director offered crucial guidance to the new patrolmen and patrolwomen. He reminded them that their duty to uphold the law, serve the people, and protect the vulnerable must guide their actions at all times, especially when no one is watching.
"The PNP uniform you wear represents both privilege and accountability," Ibay stated. He outlined their duty to protect human rights and serve the public with fairness, humility, and compassion. As part of PRO-NIR, they join a command dedicated to responsive and community-centered policing.
He urged them to let the core PNP values—maka-Diyos, makabayan, makatao, and makakalikasan—guide their conduct. Ibay encouraged them to serve with pride and courage, be worthy of their badge, honor their families, and uphold the public's trust.
Brigadier General Ibay concluded by stating that the induction of these new officers strengthens PRO-NIR's capabilities and reaffirms its commitment to justice and safety across Negros Island. He expressed confidence that, with their courage and dedication, they are ready to face modern policing challenges and help build a safer future for the community.
