Reales prioritizes police visibility, crime prevention in Negros Island Region

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales has placed crime prevention through visible and active policing at the center of his priorities as the new Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director.

PRO-NIR welcomed Reales on Tuesday, a day after the turnover ceremony at Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He received arrival honors during his first official engagement with the regional command.

A meet-and-greet followed, allowing him to interact with PRO-NIR officers and personnel carrying out police duties across the region.

Reales urged personnel to return to the basics of policing by maintaining a strong street presence to help deter crime and prevent incidents.

He also emphasized the need to solve crimes effectively while upholding discipline, professionalism and the police organization’s integrity.

Reales reminded personnel that every action and decision affects the PNP’s credibility, urging them to exercise sound judgment, maintain public trust and avoid conduct that could jeopardize their careers or families.

He said a strong police organization begins with personnel who understand their responsibilities, remain accountable and perform their duties with purpose.

Discipline, he added, is reflected not only in the uniform but also in everyday choices.

Command briefing

The activities continued with a command briefing at Kanlaon Hall of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office inside Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.

The briefing included introductions of staff members, provincial and city directors, and chiefs of national support units.

Reales received an overview of the regional command’s organizational structure, operational accomplishments, crime prevention and crime-solving efforts, and the prevailing peace and security situation.

The Regional Intelligence Division presented an assessment of armed groups and other identified security threats.

The presentation also covered challenges facing the region and PRO-NIR units’ continuing efforts to monitor and address them.

Reales succeeded Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, who was transferred to Police Regional Office 8 in Eastern Visayas after four months of service in the Negros Island Region.

The Negros Island Region, established under Republic Act 12000 in 2024, comprises Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.