PRO-NIR welcomes 149 new police recruits

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) formally inducted 149 newly appointed police officers on Friday, Dec. 19, as part of their 2025 Attrition and Regular Recruitment Program.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, and National Police Commission–NIR director Owen De Luna led the oathtaking ceremony at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) grandstand in Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr., Barangay Estefania, in the presence of the recruits’ families and friends.

The recruits include 83 males and 28 females under the Regular Recruitment Program, and 22 males and 16 females under the Attrition Recruitment Program.

Following the ceremony, the 149 recruits were formally turned over to the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division, marking the beginning of their structured professional formation.

They were subsequently transferred to the NIR Training Center, where they will undergo rigorous training to develop discipline, operational competence, and adherence to police doctrines and core values.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said these new officers are in addition to the 244 recruits who took their oath earlier this week under the Attrition Recruitment Program, bringing the region’s total number of recruits this year to 393.

Ibay reminded the recruits that they have crossed a significant threshold—transitioning from civilians to members of the Philippine National Police—entrusted with authority, bound by discipline, and called to serve while upholding the law.

“With the badge comes responsibility: to act with integrity, courage, compassion, and respect for human rights, understanding that every decision can strengthen or weaken public trust,” Ibay said.

He urged the new officers to wear the uniform with pride, live with honor, serve with dedication, and become officers whom the community can trust, respect, and rely on.

Ibay acknowledged the challenges, sacrifices, and pressures they will face and encouraged them to let their values guide their actions, uphold the law without fear or favor, and let their service speak louder than their rank.

He also recognized the recruits’ families, whose support, guidance, and sacrifices helped shape the new officers, emphasizing their vital role in this milestone.