BACOLOD CITY - Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) marked his first 100 days of leadership with intensified law enforcement operations against illegal drugs and cigarette smuggling resulting to P211.5 million seizure, and 11.83 percent crime reduction in the region.

Based on the comparative crime statistics of PRO-NIR, total crime incidents decreased by 296 incidents from 2,502 cases recorded from Jan. 27 to May 7, 2026, to 2,206 incidents from May 8 to August 16, 2026.

Cardiño was installed as PRO-NIR director on May 8, succeeding Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay.

The peace and order indicator also declined by 5.48 percent, or 105 incidents, from 1,917 to 1,812 incidents.

More significantly, index crimes or crimes against person or property decreased by 19.19 percent, from 297 to 240 incidents which were driven by reductions in homicide, murder, physical injury, motorcycle carnapping, and theft.

The eight focus crimes likewise decreased by 19.59 percent, from 296 to 238 incidents. Murder declined by 24.39 percent, homicide by 46.34 percent, physical injury by 38.24 percent, theft by 7.02 percent, and motorcycle carnapping by 38.46 percent.

The region also recorded a substantial 32.65 percent reduction in the public safety indicator, equivalent to 191 fewer incidents. 

The decline was particularly driven by reductions in damage to property, physical injury, and homicide arising from vehicular incidents.

However, despite these positive indicators, PRO-NIR recognized that challenges remain, citing the increase in rape incidents by 6.82 percent and robbery by 13.64 percent, highlighting the need for sustained prevention, police visibility, focused investigation, and community-based interventions.

Cardiño said these figures are not simply statistics, but indicators that help the organization identify what is working, where police interventions must be sustained, and where greater effort is still needed.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, the regional office conducted 761 operations, resulting in the arrest of 822 persons and the confiscation of 19,975.81 grams of shabu and 1,422 grams of marijuana, with an estimated value of P136 million.

The campaign against cigarette smuggling also yielded significant results, with 526 operations conducted, 25 persons arrested, and confiscated cigarettes valued at approximately P75,474,610.

The intensified campaign against loose firearms resulted in 503 operations, including 28 search warrant implementations, with 255 firearms confiscated, 264 unlicensed firearms surrendered, and 92 individuals arrested.

Meanwhile, 1,161 wanted persons were arrested, consisting of 269 most wanted persons and 892 other wanted individuals.

The PRO-NIR likewise conducted 362 anti-illegal gambling operations, resulting in 808 arrests and the confiscation of P152,935 in gambling-related proceeds.

At the community level, PRO-NIR sustained enforcement of local ordinances, recording 81,137 operations involving violators, with 31,433 fined and 49,704 warned.

Cardiño emphasized that the first 100 days are not a finish line, but a foundation.

He said that the favorable crime trends and operational accomplishments provide measurable indicators of progress, but PRO-NIR remains committed to addressing emerging threats, improving investigative outcomes, sustaining police visibility, and making frontline services more responsive.

A significant milestone during his stint was the launch of the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program on June 4, establishing a more direct and accessible link between the public and the police.

From its launch until August 16, the program received 364 calls, resulting in the arrest of 53 individuals.

The figures, according to PRO-NIR, reflected growing public awareness of 911 as a reliable avenue for seeking police assistance and reporting incidents, while demonstrating PRO-NIR’s commitment to providing timely and responsive intervention when the community calls for help.

SAFE which stands for Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary, is the flagship initiative of Cardiño designed to make police assistance more accessible, responsive, and connected to the communities it serves.

Cardiño also strengthened the organization by investing in personnel development, specialized training, technology and Information and Communication Technology modernization, body-worn cameras, logistics, organizational reforms, ISO 9001 preparation, and morale and wellness initiatives. 

These efforts were directed toward building a more capable, professional, accountable, and operationally ready police organization.

The regional office also strengthened partnerships with local government units, schools, community leaders, the media, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders, recognizing that peace and order is a shared responsibility.

“The first 100 days therefore mark more than a milestone. They mark the beginning of a continuing commitment to build a safer, stronger, and more responsive NIR. And at the heart of that commitment is a simple promise: “When the people call, we respond,” Cardiño said.

As the NIR continues to strengthen its institutions as a relatively new police region, Cardiño vowed to continue to pursue a police service that is decisive in confronting criminality, responsive to emergencies, accountable in its actions, and connected to the communities it serves.