Retired Marine nabbed as NIR marks peaceful New Year

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a generally peaceful and orderly New Year celebration across the region, with no recorded stray bullet incidents and only one case of indiscriminate firing involving a retired Marine officer.

PRO-NIR spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong said crime incidents from Dec. 16, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026, remained manageable across Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, as well as Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

On Dec. 24, a 43-year-old retired Marine was arrested in Barangay Balingasag, Bago City, Negros Occidental, for allegedly discharging a firearm while intoxicated.

Authorities responded after hearing successive gunshots from a compound shortly before midnight.

Police recovered 34 spent cartridges and one empty cartridge case from a .45-caliber firearm near the residence.

Seized from the suspect’s sling bag were an Armscor .45-caliber pistol with 14 live rounds, an empty magazine, and another magazine containing six live rounds.

Meanwhile, a deformed slug from an unknown firearm was discovered inside a house in Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on New Year’s Day.

Police Maj. Romulo Gepilango, La Castellana police chief, said the incident was reported on Jan. 2 by the homeowner.

The woman said she noticed a hole in the roof and a cracked floor tile while walking inside her home, though no gunshots were heard at the time.

An inspection revealed a bullet entry point in the roof and a shattered floor tile, indicating the structure was hit by a projectile.

The recovered slug will be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit to determine the firearm used and identify the possible owner for legal action.

PRO-NIR attributed the peaceful holiday period to heightened police visibility, strategic deployment, and strong coordination with local government units and partner agencies.

More than 1,900 police personnel were deployed daily, supported by augmentation units and advocacy groups, and assigned to transport terminals, tourist sites, churches, and other public areas.

Anti-criminality operations during the period led to the arrest of 91 drug suspects, 101 wanted persons, and 34 individuals involved in illegal gambling. Authorities also seized 37 loose firearms.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, commended both police personnel and the public for their cooperation and discipline throughout the holiday season.

“The generally peaceful New Year celebration in the region reflects the dedication of our police officers and the strong cooperation of our communities,” Ibay said.

He also thanked residents for their support in helping law enforcement maintain peace and order as the region welcomed 2026.