PRO-NIR studying seven possible sites for new headquarters

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is evaluating seven potential locations for its permanent regional headquarters, with five sites in Negros Occidental and two in Negros Oriental under consideration.

Proposed sites in Negros Occidental include Barangay Tagucon in Kabankalan City, Barangay Jonob-Jonob in Escalante City, San Enrique, Murcia, and Silay City.

In Negros Oriental, North Poblacion in Mabinay and Barangay Calamba in Guihulngan City are also being considered, according to a report from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).

An emergency meeting led by Police Col. Gilbert Gorero, chief of the Regional Community Relations Division, was held earlier this month to tackle the proposal for the new regional office site.

Also present was Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo director.

Discussions focused on the proper allocation and use of project funds, particularly in relation to the legal and procedural aspects of land donations.

Officials stressed transparency, strategic planning, and ensuring that the chosen site supports long-term regional development goals.

They also underscored the importance of selecting a location that enables efficient operations and improved public service delivery.

Last year, the possibility of building the headquarters within a 500-hectare property owned by Central Philippines State University in Barangay Tagucon, Kabankalan City, was raised.

However, Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for PRO-NIR, said Sunday that the search for a land donor is still ongoing and final plans have yet to be confirmed.

PRO-NIR was officially activated in March, with Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay appointed as its first regional director in April.

It is currently operating from its temporary base at the Nocppo headquarters in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania here.