ROOKIE Negros police officers.
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) inducted 149 newly-appointed police officers on Friday, Dec. 19.
They are composed of 83 male and 28 female recruits from the Calendar Year 2025 Regular Recruitment Program and 22 male and 16 female recruits from the CY 2025 Attrition Recruitment Program.
The oath-taking ceremony was led by Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, and National Police Commission (Napolcom)-NIR Director Owen de Luna at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office grandstand in Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr., Barangay Estefania here.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the 149 recruits are in addition to the 244 officers who took their oath earlier this week under the Attrition Recruitment Program.
They were formally turned over to the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division, marking the start of their professional formation, and were later transferred to the NIR Training Center, where they will undergo intensive training focused on discipline, operational competence, and adherence to police doctrines and core values.
Ibay reminded the new officers that they have crossed a significant threshold – from civilians to members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrusted with authority and responsibility.
“With the badge comes responsibility: To act with integrity, courage, compassion, and respect for human rights, understanding that every decision can strengthen or weaken public trust,” he said.
Ibay urged the recruits to wear the uniform with pride, serve with dedication, and live with honor, calling on them to uphold the law without fear or favor.
He acknowledged the vital role of their families, whose support and sacrifices helped shape the new officers and contributed to their achievement.