Police nab 2 over Bacolod teen robbery

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police arrested two people less than 24 hours after they allegedly robbed a 15-year-old girl in Barangay Estefania here on Friday.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, or PRO-NIR, the victim was walking in the area when one of the suspects approached her, allegedly threatened her at knifepoint, and demanded her cellphone and wallet.

The other suspect acted as a lookout, police said.

The victim reported the incident to police, who immediately conducted roving patrol and hot pursuit operations that led to the arrest of the two suspects.

The first to be arrested was a 17-year-old boy on Friday night, followed by the arrest of 20-year-old Jan in the same village on Saturday.

Police also recovered the stolen items.

Jan is detained at Police Station 4, while the minor suspect has been turned over to the Social Development Center.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting PRO-NIR director, warned that criminals would find no refuge in the region as police remain relentless in pursuing offenders and ensuring the safety and security of every community they serve.

Cardiño commended the operating personnel for their prompt response and determination in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“The immediate arrest of both suspects demonstrates the readiness, vigilance, and operational effectiveness of our police personnel,” he said in a statement.

The regional office highlighted the importance of advancing the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program to strengthen police visibility, ensure faster and more responsive emergency assistance, and intensify law enforcement operations across the region.

The Philippine National Police officially activated PRO-NIR in March 2025 to cover the Negros Island Region, including Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, while the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program was launched in June 2026 to improve emergency response in the region.