Cardiño out, Reales in as PRO-NIR chief

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales formally assumed the leadership of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), effective Monday, Sept. 7.

This was confirmed by PRO-NIR, following a turn-over ceremony held at Camp General Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City that day.

Reales succeeded the post of Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, outgoing PRO-NIR director, who was transferred to PRO-8 (Eastern Visayas), pursuant to a special order from the national headquarters dated Sept. 4.

Reales came from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Civil Security Group before his reassignment to NIR. He is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1996 “Kaagapay.”

As he officially assumed office, Reales aims to focus on strengthening the capabilities, discipline, and professionalism of the personnel, stressing the importance of competency in duties, accountability for their actions, and committment to serving the public with integrity.

The regional office vowed to continue to pursue its mandate with greater focus, discipline, and determination.

It assured to remain resolute in preventing and solving crimes, enforcing the law, addressing security threats, and maintaining a strong police presence in communities across the region.

Meanwhile, Cardiño formally concluded his four-month stint in NIR since May 8.

The reason of his relief was not stated, but the timing of the movement was amid the national headquarter’s One Strike Policy (OSP) on police officers who fail to curb illegal gambling in their respective areas.

Cardiño has recently ordered the relief of seven police commissioned officers in Negros Oriental, including its former provincial director, and six police chiefs over its alleged failed anti-illegal gambling operations.

Aside from this, Cardiño during his stint, also filed criminal and administrative complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman last July against Negros Occidental third district Board Member Andrew Montelibano, following the discovery of an alleged illegal online sabong operation in a five hectare property reportedly owned by the government official in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. An allegation which Montelibano denied.

Also, series of campaign against cigarette smuggling also yielded significant results during his stint with confiscated cigarettes valued at approximately P81.4 million.

While the reason of his departure from NIR is unclear, Cardiño has left behind a strengthened organization marked by intensified law enforcement operations, improved public safety efforts, and a police service brought closer to the people.

Beyond the operational accomplishments, one of the defining legacies of Cardiño’s leadership was the establishment of the SAFE NIR DIAL 911 Program, which aimed to strengthen the connection between the police and the communities by providing the public with a direct and accessible channel for emergency assistance.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the men and women of PRO-NIR for their dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering support, as well as to the local government units, partner agencies, community leaders, stakeholders, and the people of NIR for their continued trust and cooperation.

While leadership may change, the commitment to public service remains, as the PRO-NIR personnel vowed to carry forward the gains and lessons of his tenure.