Rebadomia installed as Bacolod police chief

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya urged Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia to stay focused and go all out in the government and Philippine National Police campaign against illegal drugs.

Rebadomia officially assumed as officer in charge of the Bacolod City Police Office on Monday, Feb. 9, replacing Police Col. Joeresty Coronica during a turnover of command at the BCPO multipurpose gymnasium.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, presided over the ceremony.

In his message, Gasataya said crimes often begin with illegal drugs, making it critical for law enforcers to strengthen anti-illegal drug operations.

Gasataya selected Rebadomia, a resident of Barangay Mansilingan, from five nominees for the post after Coronica ended his 18-month stint as BCPO director for what police officials described as career enhancement.

Rebadomia was previously assigned to the Regional Operations Division of PRO-NIR before his posting to the BCPO.

Coronica was transferred to the PRO-NIR headquarters.

Ibay challenged Rebadomia to strengthen policies, improve coordination with the local government and stakeholders, take care of his personnel, and ensure police visibility in the community.

“I challenge you to build on existing gains, to lead with integrity and sound judgment, and to ensure that discipline and professionalism guide every police action,” Ibay said, adding that the assignment carries both trust and accountability.

Rebadomia thanked the mayor and the regional director for the opportunity to lead the city police force.

He also thanked Coronica for believing in him.

In a media interview after the ceremony, Rebadomia said he will continue what Coronica started, particularly in the anti-illegal drug campaign, citing BCPO’s more than PHP 150 million in drug seizures in 2025.

He said police presence will be strengthened by deploying personnel on streets to prevent potential crimes and illegal drug activity.

Rebadomia warned people still involved in illegal drugs to stop, saying the BCPO will be aggressive in its anti-drug campaign.

“It’s better for you to end it. We will not stop to operate and we will implement the appropriate measures in accordance with the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ibay and Gasataya commended Coronica for his contributions to peace and order in the city.

“Your contributions to the safety and security of the city are recognized and appreciated,” Ibay said.

Gasataya also expressed continued support for Coronica’s next assignment.

PRO-NIR awarded Coronica the PNP Special Service Medal for his professionalism and dedication as BCPO director from Aug. 27, 2024, to Feb. 8, 2026.

In his farewell message, Coronica thanked those who supported his tenure at the BCPO, saying their help enabled him to implement law enforcement operations, crime prevention strategies, and community-based policing programs that contributed to public safety in the city.