The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Thursday it has activated the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) and designated its key officials.

“Later this afternoon, the official inauguration of PRO NIR will take place, marking a historic milestone in the realization of a more autonomous and efficient regional police force for the Negros Island Region,” the PNP said in a statement.

The PNP said the activation of PRO NIR aligns with Republic Act No. 12000, “ensuring a more streamlined and responsive approach to law enforcement in the region.”

The creation of PRO NIR is pursuant to National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Resolution 2025-0055, issued on January 9, 2025, which facilitates the transfer of administrative supervision and operational control over the Police Provincial Offices of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and the Bacolod City Police Office.

The PNP said the newly designated Officer-in Charge will formally assume their posts, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities in the region.

The newly established regional command, Police Brigadier General Jack Limpayos Wanky has been designated as the officer-in-charge of PRO NIR.

Other police officers holding key positions in the newly activated police regional office are the following: Police Colonel Dennis Araño Esguerra - officer-in-charge, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; Police Colonel Gilbert Tanchuan Gorero - officer-in-charge, Chief of Regional Staff; Police Colonel Ronaldo Planco Palomo - officer-in-charge, Regional Operations Management Division.

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed his full support for the newly established police regional office.

“The activation of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region marks a significant step in ensuring a more responsive and community-oriented policing system,” Marbil said.

“This reorganization reflects our commitment to upholding peace and order, as well as our dedication to serving and protecting the people of Negros Island and its neighboring provinces.”