PRO-NIR Aims to Meet Five-Minute Response Time

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), reaffirmed the region’s commitment to the Philippine National Police’s five-minute response time directive.

In a media interview Monday at the Bacolod City Police Office headquarters, Ibay said regional personnel are fully dedicated to complying with the directive of PNP chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

“Gagawin namin ang lahat para makapag-comply kami,” he said, adding that officers will respond within the time given.

He emphasized the importance of deploying personnel beyond station premises to boost visibility and responsiveness.

This followed a command conference with Torre during his visit to Iloilo City over the weekend.

Ibay said Torre did not issue specific instructions solely for PRO-NIR but reiterated the general directive to ensure rapid response to incidents.

“We were told to respond immediately as needed,” he said.

He also said PRO-NIR has requested additional personnel to enhance its capabilities, though no exact figure was disclosed as recruitment is ongoing.

Both the Bacolod City Police Office and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said they are aligned with the directive, noting that quick response has long been central to their crime prevention strategies.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office is realigning its deployment plan and resources to meet the directive effectively.

Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for Norppo, said they are still evaluating improvements due to limited resources, such as vehicles, personnel, radios and other capabilities.

“Not all police stations are capable, but we are constantly assessing and making the most of what we have,” he said.

Polinar assured the public that despite challenges, the police remain efficient in providing assistance.

He said they are focusing on Dumaguete City due to congestion and its role as a main entry point to the province.

“Long before the recent directive, we have been constant in ensuring that most of our people are on the ground,” he said.

Polinar added that requests have been made to national headquarters for more personnel and resources, though processing may take time.

He also acknowledged the support of local government units and the provincial government in addressing the needs of the provincial police.