Police report incident-free Christmas in Negros, Siquijor

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a peaceful and secure Christmas celebration across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, citing strong cooperation from local communities.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, praised residents of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized city of Bacolod, and Siquijor, for their shared commitment to safety, noting that while Christmas is a season of joy, it also calls for collective responsibility.

PRO-NIR said its personnel also focused on community engagement by assisting the public, issuing safety reminders, and encouraging responsible holiday behavior.

Ibay said the initiatives helped deepen trust between law enforcement and the public, turning vigilance into a shared celebration of safety and unity.

He said thorough preparation, heightened alertness, and strategic deployment of police forces allowed families to celebrate with confidence and peace of mind.

PRO-NIR said intensified patrols, checkpoints in critical areas, and quick response measures helped deter potential incidents, resulting in an orderly and incident-free Christmas.

Ibay said the results reflect the organization’s commitment to public safety during peak holiday travel and gatherings.

Firecracker injury

Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy was injured in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, after firecracker powder placed in plastic inside a Santa hat he was playing with exploded on Friday, Dec. 26.

Police said the boy suffered injuries to his left hand.

In a separate incident, nine houses were damaged after a fire broke out in Barangay 3, Kabankalan City, on the night of Dec. 26, displacing 91 people, according to a police report.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Kabankalan is investigating the cause of the fire.