322 NIR police officers promoted to higher ranks

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), urged 322 newly promoted officers to serve with integrity, enforce the law without fear or favor, and ensure public trust remains at the center of everything they do.

The simultaneous oath-taking and donning of ranks for personnel from Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental were held Monday, Dec. 15, at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) grandstand in Barangay Estefania.

Promoted commissioned officers included 19 police captains and four police lieutenants.

Promoted non-commissioned officers included three police executive master sergeants, 46 police chief master sergeants, 10 police senior master sergeants, 58 police master sergeants, 65 police staff sergeants, and 117 police corporals.

In his message, Ibay highlighted the difficulty of earning a promotion.

“For every promotion that you have, you should be very thankful because it is very difficult to achieve,” he said.

He directed them to uphold professionalism in every operation and to protect human rights at all times.

“This ceremony is not simply about a new rank. It is about accepting higher responsibility to lead, serve, and uphold the rule of law with greater resolve,” Ibay said.

He stressed that promotion is earned, not given, and is the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, sound judgment, and steadfast commitment to public service.

Ibay reminded the officers that leadership is not measured by rank alone but by character and example.

“You are now entrusted with greater authority, and with that authority comes accountability. You are expected to enforce the law fairly and always act in the very interest of the people we serve,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of families in supporting the officers’ careers.

“Do not fail us. Do not fail your families and the community,” he said.

“You are promoted because the PNP trusts and believes you have the capacity to do more for the organization,” Ibay added.