PRO-NIR Honors Four Police Officers for Outstanding Service in Negros Island
PRO-NIR Honors Four Police Officers for Excellence in Negros

PRO-NIR Honors Four Police Officers for Outstanding Service in Negros Island

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has publicly honored two police officials and two non-commissioned officers for their exceptional performance and unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and order across Negros Island. This recognition ceremony underscores the commitment of law enforcement to excellence in public safety.

Ceremony Details and Leadership

The recognition event was held on January 26, 2026, in front of the PRO-NIR Administration Building at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr., located in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City. Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, the PRO-NIR regional director, led the ceremony. He was accompanied by the command group, regional staff, personal staff, and numerous other officers and personnel from PRO-NIR, highlighting the collective support for the honorees.

Award Recipients and Their Achievements

The Medalya ng Kagalingan was awarded to the following individuals for their remarkable contributions:

  • Police Captain Rodrigo Martinez Jr. – Head of the Drug Enforcement Unit at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).
  • Corporal Patrick Aquino – Personnel of the Drug Enforcement Unit at Nocppo.
  • Captain Renette Joy Jumuad – Chief of the San Jose Municipal Police Station under the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo).
  • Staff Sergeant Meldrid Yaeso – Personnel of the San Jose Municipal Police Station at Norppo.

Details of the Recognized Operations

According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the awards were based on specific, high-impact operations. Martinez and Aquino were recognized for their intelligence-driven efforts during a successful buy-bust operation in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, on September 12, 2025. This operation led to the arrest of four drug personalities and the seizure of 50.808 grams of shabu, with an estimated market value of P345,494, significantly disrupting illegal drug activities in the region.

Jumuad and Yaeso were honored for their successful manhunt operation on October 7, 2025, in Barangay Arzaga, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. During the implementation of a warrant of arrest, they apprehended the region’s Rank 9 Most Wanted Person, who was charged with qualified rape in four counts. This arrest removed a dangerous criminal from the community and demonstrated effective law enforcement coordination.

Commendation and Impact

Malong emphasized that PRO-NIR commended the involved personnel for their discipline, courage, and integrity. She noted that their accomplishments serve as a testament to the organization’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting communities from threats posed by illegal drugs and criminal elements. “Their actions not only removed a dangerous individual from the streets but also reinforced public trust in law enforcement,” Malong stated, highlighting the broader societal impact of their work.

This recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces the importance of dedicated police work in ensuring safety and order in Negros Island. The ceremony serves as an inspiration for other officers to strive for excellence in their duties.