New PRO-NIR chief urges media to hold police accountable

BACOLOD CITY — “Ask us. Challenge us. Hold us accountable.”

Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), made the call when he met members of the media on Wednesday, a week after his reassignment here.

The regional office held a media fellowship at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) headquarters to introduce the new regional director and newly assigned officers.

Reales said peace and order is a shared responsibility, and that the police and the media play key roles in that mission.

“The police protect and respond to threats. The media informs and brings information to the people,” Reales said.

He noted that in times of crisis, information can save lives.

“That is why our partnership with the media must go beyond press conferences, interviews, and breaking news. It must be a partnership built before the crisis happens,” he said.

Reales also cited the role of the media in educating communities on crime prevention and public safety, and in fighting misinformation.

Beyond working together on crime prevention, he said a strong police organization should never be afraid of legitimate questions.

“Partnership does not mean that you stop asking difficult questions,” Reales said.

He added that the police should welcome scrutiny when it helps improve their service and strengthens public trust.

Reales committed to communicate, listen, and remain accessible to the media.

He also vowed to provide timely and truthful information whenever possible, while respecting the law, due process, and the independence of the press.

“Let us build a relationship where a police officer knows that the journalist is not an enemy — and where the journalist knows that the police officer is not simply a source, but a public servant entrusted with protecting lives,” he said.

“Because when the badge and the story work together in the service of truth, accountability, and humanity, we do more than report peace and order — we help build it,” he added.

He urged the media to use the power of information to prevent crime, calm communities, protect lives, expose wrongdoing, and strengthen public confidence.

“Let the police protect. Let the media inform. Let both stand for truth. And let both serve the people,” Reales said.

Leadership change

Reales was reassigned to the Negros Island Region on Sept. 8, replacing Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, who had served the region for about four months.

PRO-NIR covers the Negros Island Region, which Republic Act 12000 created in 2024 and which comprises Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.