• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More than 1,000 drug personalities were arrested while P146.7 million worth of illegal drugs were seized during the four-month stint of Police Brigadier General Romano Cardiño as regional director of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR).
From May 8 to Sept. 6 this year, PRO NIR conducted 792 anti-illegal drug operations, including two search warrant implementations, which led to the arrest of 1,039 drug suspects and the recovery of 21.5 kilos of suspected shabu and 1.4 kilos of dried marijuana leaves across the Negros Island Region.
The confiscated drugs were valued at P146,730,528.40, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the region.
The anti-drug campaign formed part of Cardiño’s intensified law enforcement drive, which also targeted loose firearms, wanted persons, illegal gambling, and cigarette smuggling.
PRO NIR said the results reflected the command’s sustained, intelligence-driven operations and its commitment to suppress criminal activities and protect communities across Negros Island.
During the same period, the regional office recorded 545 operations against loose firearms, resulting in the confiscation of 272 firearms, the surrender of 286 unlicensed firearms, and the arrest of 107 individuals.
Meanwhile, 2,078 wanted persons were arrested through intensified manhunt and intelligence operations.
Cardiño concluded his tour of duty as PRO NIR regional director on September 6, leaving behind a strengthened organization committed to law enforcement and public safety.
Among the programs established under his leadership was the SAFE NIR DIAL 911 Program, designed to provide the public with a direct channel for emergency assistance.
Cardiño’s leadership centered on the SAFE NIR Program, which stands for Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary Police Service, emphasizing responsive policing and stronger engagement with communities. | GPB
