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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Negros Island cops on heightened alert for Holy Week, polls

Negros Island cops on heightened alert for Holy Week, polls

Published Apr 16, 2025 09:52 am

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is on heightened alert starting Wednesday, April 16, to ensure public safety during Holy Week and the May 12 midterm elections.

PRO-NIR SECURE.jpg

POLICE Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay (center), newly-installed officer-in-charge of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), pays a courtesy call to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Tuesday, April 15. (Photo via Capitol PIO)

In a media interview after a courtesy call with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol here on Tuesday, April 15, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, newly installed officer-in-charge of PRO-NIR, said that all police vacation leaves have been cancelled, especially with the arrival of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) in some areas across the region.

Ibay also attended a coordination meeting with Comelec-NIR and other partner agencies on Tuesday to align plans for the upcoming elections in the region.

While a skeletal force has already been deployed, Ibay noted that they are finalizing broader deployment plans and may request additional support from the Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Our current priority is to ensure the safety of travelers coming home or leaving for the Holy Week,” Ibay said.

As part of their “Oplan Summer Vacation” (Sumvac), PRO-NIR has started securing transportation hubs, religious venues, and tourist spots across Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, in anticipation of the influx of travelers.

According to Ibay, the peace and order situation in the region remains generally peaceful.

Lacson said the police have assured him of peaceful and orderly elections.

Hhe acknowledged some noise in areas with intense political rivalry but described the overall situation as peaceful.

“Election is like the country’s biggest festival with all the noise and gimmicks,” he said. “Let’s enjoy it, and avoid anything physical,” he added.

Lacson urged candidates to conduct a positive campaign and avoid negative tactics that may alienate voters.

Related Tags

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay Holy Week Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson Peace and order PRO-Negros Island Region
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