Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director, P/Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, expressed confidence of crime reduction in Bacolod with the turnover of 10 electric vehicles (EVs) to the city police April 27.
Ibay, who attended the blessing and turnover ceremony at the Bacolod Government Center, underscored that the added mobility provided by the EVs purchased by the city will play a vital role in enhancing police response and visibility across the city.
“We all know that we do not control the increase in fuel prices. You can rest assured that we will reciprocate this support through improved police service here in Bacolod,” he told city officials, led by Mayor Greg Gasataya.
This is also in line with the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government for safer cities and communities across the Philippines, Ibay said.
He noted that the crime rate in the city has gone down. “And we intend to lower it even further. (This) increased mobility for our police personnel will greatly help achieve this.”
Gasataya emphasized that the deployment to each police station of the EVs, all worth P14 million, marks a significant step in strengthening police mobility while promoting sustainable and energy-efficient governance.
“By doing this, their mobility and visibility will improve, as they will no longer have to worry about fuel costs and liquidation processes. This simple ceremony reflects Bacolod’s direction in expressing gratitude to our PNP,” he said.
“By transitioning to an electric fleet, we are effectively equipping and modernizing our peace and order operations. Amid the global fuel crisis, our uniformed personnel will remain mobile and visible while we reduce the burden of fuel costs,” Gasataya added in a statement.
The mayor also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting the police force, recognizing their sacrifices in ensuring public safety.
“When the police commit to protecting the people, they are willing to sacrifice their time and even their lives, and they truly live up to that commitment,” he said.
“In our own way, the City of Bacolod is striving to give its full support to our police. That is why, starting 2026, we increased the allowances of our Bacolod PNP. We know it is not enough, but it is a symbol that Bacolod is 100 percent supportive of their work,” Gasataya stressed.
He highlighted the BCPO’s notable achievement in reducing crime incidents in Bacolod by 50 percent from March to April 2026, compared to the same period last year.
The entire Negros Island Region also recorded a 38 percent decline in crime incidents, the city said.
In addition to the EV fleet, the Philippine National Police also turned over one tourist police mobile unit to the city, further strengthening security efforts in key areas. The unit is expected to enhance tourist safety, provide assistance services, and improve visibility in major destinations across Bacolod.
With the integration of the EVs and the mobile unit, the Bacolod City Police Office is expected to further strengthen its capacity to respond to incidents, ensure visitor safety, and maintain peace and order across the city. ||
