New Negros Oriental police chief urged to act fast

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria has urged Police Col. Timmar Alam to step up efforts in the province’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Alam officially assumed his post as officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) on Monday.

Before his reassignment, he served as chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, led the turnover ceremony at the Norppo headquarters in Camp Lt. Col. Francisco C. Fernandez Jr. in Barangay Agan-an, Sibulan town.

The leadership transition aims to ensure continuity, stability, and stronger law enforcement operations across the province.

Sagarbarria also called on all police units to work together in building a safer, better Negros Oriental through strong, coordinated, and consistent action.

In his remarks, Ibay said the occasion marked not just a change in leadership but a renewed covenant of public service for the people of Negros Oriental.

He expressed full confidence in Alam’s leadership, citing his professionalism and ability to lead with both firmness and compassion amid evolving challenges.

Ibay added that unity, discipline, and collective commitment among police personnel are essential to sustaining peace and order.

Alam replaced Police Col. Lito Patay, PRO-NIR deputy regional director for operations, who served as Norppo’s acting officer-in-charge for nearly a month.

Patay temporarily took the role following the relief of Police Col. Criscente Tiguelo, who was removed as Norppo director after four people — including three policemen — were killed, allegedly by a fellow officer, in Sibulan town on Jan. 9.