BACOLOD CITY – Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), called on 322 newly-promoted policemen in Negros Island to serve with integrity, enforce the law impartially, and keep public trust at the core of their duties.

Their simultaneous oath-taking and donning of ranks was held Monday, Dec. 15, at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office grandstand in Barangay Estefania here.

Promoted were 19 police captains and four police lieutenants and three police executive master sergeants, 46 police chief master sergeants, 10 police senior master sergeants, 58 police master sergeants, 65 police staff sergeants, and 117 police sorporals.

In his message, Ibay emphasized that promotion is difficult to attain and should never be taken lightly.

“For every promotion you receive, you should be grateful because it is not easy to achieve,” he said.

He reminded them to maintain professionalism in all operations and always respect and protect human rights.

“This ceremony is not simply about a new rank. It is about accepting greater responsibility to lead, serve, and uphold the rule of law with stronger resolve,” Ibay said.

He stressed that promotion is earned through years of discipline, sacrifice, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to public service, noting that leadership is defined not by rank but by character and example.

“With greater authority comes greater accountability. You are expected to enforce the law fairly and always act in the best interest of the people we serve,” he added.

Ibay recognized the support of the officers’ families, thanking them for their understanding and encouragement.

“Do not fail us. Do not fail your families and the community,” he said, adding that the promotions reflect the Philippine National Police’s trust in their ability to contribute more to the organization.