Wenceslao urged to prioritize peace amid Negros killings

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has directed Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao to prioritize peace and order efforts amid a spate of insurgency-related killings in the province.

Lacson named Wenceslao as the new provincial director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).

“He (Wenceslao) is my choice. I went to the same process as I chose the previous provincial directors,” the governor told reporters on Friday.

Wenceslao, who hails from Nueva Ecija, previously served with the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division under the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

He replaced Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, who was relieved by the Philippine National Police national headquarters effective Sept. 5 and reassigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Lacson expressed confidence in Wenceslao’s capabilities despite not having met him yet, and instructed him to coordinate closely with local chief executives across the province.

“I have not seen him, but I already saw his personal data,” Lacson said, adding that he is happy and confident that Wenceslao can do a good job.

While PRO-NIR awaits the official designation order of Wenceslao, Lacson emphasized the need for strong leadership.

“Peace and order has always been our clamor,” he said.

Lacson acknowledged the active presence of the New People’s Army (NPA), which has been targeting vulnerable communities as a show of force.

“It’s just their way of saying they are still around,” he added.

He stressed, however, that the Philippine Army and local police are working to immediately stop these killings.

Recent NPA-linked attacks were reported in Manapla and Toboso towns on Sept. 3 and 4, claiming the lives of a former barangay councilor and a farmer.

Prior to that, multiple insurgency-related killings were recorded in northern Negros Occidental, particularly in E.B. Magalona, Toboso, and Calatrava between March and July this year.

The governor urged remaining insurgents to surrender and rejoin mainstream society.

“We’re continuously calling on them to consider joining us in the government just like their former comrades, as these killings do no good for the province,” Lacson said.

Despite De Chavez’s reassignment, Lacson said he had no issues with the outgoing director’s performance and praised his consistent presence and dedication over the past 18 months.

“He’s always been there and he wanted to stay longer but I think he’s been given a special assignment in Camp Crame – at the CIDG,” Lacson said.

De Chavez, along with seven other police commissioned officers from different regional offices and units, was reassigned to the CIDG, including Police Maj. Rhojn Darell Nigos from PRO-NIR.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo spokesperson, said De Chavez’s relief was for career enhancement and part of the PNP’s regular reshuffling process.

De Chavez served as provincial director from Feb. 22, 2024, to Sept. 4, 2025.