NIR Police on Full Alert for Holy Week, Elections

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is on full alert beginning Wednesday, April 16, to secure Holy Week observances and the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, newly installed officer-in-charge of PRO-NIR, paid a courtesy call on Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol on Tuesday.

In a media interview, Ibay said vacation leaves of police officers have been canceled as automated counting machines for the elections have begun arriving in parts of the region.

He added that skeletal personnel deployment started Wednesday, while plans for wider deployment across the region are being finalized.

Ibay said they are also coordinating with the Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard for possible deployment assistance through the Commission on Elections.

“Our priority for now is to secure those who are coming home and leaving for the Holy Week,” he said.

PRO-NIR has launched Oplan Summer Vacation (SumVac), which focuses on securing airports, seaports, bus terminals, churches and resorts as traveler volume rises for Holy Week and summer.

Ibay said the peace and order situation in NIR is generally stable.

The NIR includes Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Lacson said police have assured him of orderly and peaceful elections across the region.

Asked about the campaign climate in the province, Lacson described it as generally peaceful, with expected tensions in some areas due to intense political rivalry.

“I always think that election is the biggest festival in the country, with all the gimmicks and noise,” Lacson said.

“Let’s enjoy it and never mind the noise – nothing physical,” he added.

He also said he does not believe in negative campaigning, as it may turn off voters.

Meanwhile, Fifth District Rep. Emilio “Dino” Yulo of Lakas-CMD, who is seeking reelection, said he respects Lacson’s decision to endorse Board Member Anthony Dennis “Anton” Occeño of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas for the congressional seat.

Lacson’s endorsement came at the request of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., PFP and League of Provinces of the Philippines president.

“It’s his right, I respect that. I have nothing against that,” Yulo said.

Yulo’s supporters gathered at a resort in Himamaylan City on Saturday, April 12, to show their support for his reelection bid.

“This is a manifestation of the people’s support for me,” he said.

Yulo said he is praying for peaceful elections.

“After all, it’s the people who will decide on the leaders who will serve,” he added.