BGEN. Romano Cardiño is the new Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director and vowed to reenergize the regional police force’s effort to combat criminality in Negros Occidental and Oriental.

The 54-year-old new NIR director used to be a Zambales Police Provincial Office director and chief of the Bacoor City police.

He thanked his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay for laying a strong foundation at the PRO-NIR which he will continue to implement to contribute to the gains and accomplishments of the regional police force.

Brig. Gen. Cardiño said it is his policy that every policeman in the region must be Seen with integrity, Appreciated through professionalism, Felt in action and must do Extraordinary police service (SAFE).

Brig. Gen. Cardiño said that under him, the PRO-NIR will continue to adhere with the PNP Focused Agenda wherein they will revitalize their Enhanced Managing Police Operations, always look for the morale and welfare of Negros Island police personnel, judiciously manage their resources and always uphold integrity within their rank-and-file.

“Every member of this region is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. We must ensure that our actions always reflect honor, respect, and responsibility worthy of the uniform we wear,” he said.

He also cited the need for them to further enhance their partnership with the community. “Public trust is the lifeblood of effective policing.

We shall strengthen our collaborationwith local government units, other law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders. Through transparency, responsiveness, and genuine engagement, we will foster stronger relationships that encourage cooperation and mutual support,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Cardiño also assured that his leadership will be guided by fairness, integrity and accountability.

“Decisions will be anchored on what is lawful, just, and beneficial to both our personnel and the communities we serve. I encourage every member of this Region to take pride in your role as public servants and to remain steadfast in fulfilling our sworn duty,” he said.

PRO-NIR spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong said the leadership transition marked a renewed chapter in the regional police force as they further strengthened their commitment to maintain peace and order, enhance operational effectiveness, and deliver responsive police service.

Brig. Gen. Cardiño last week hailed as ‘hero’ a member of the La Castellana police who was killed by a knife-wielding drug trafficking suspect during a buy-bust operation.

The suspect and his 68-year old mother went on a stabbing spree and killed Police Master Sergeant Davy Carampatana and wounded two others who were trying to arrest him in an anti-drug sting.

“We mourn the untimely death of PMSg Davy Carampatana who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For me he is a hero. His courage and dedication in the service of the people will never be forgotten,” Brig. Gen. Cardiño said.

The PNP headed by Gen. Nartatez also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the hero-cop.

Carampatana was among the members of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station Drug Enforcement Team who conducted an anti-narcotics operation in Sitio Talaptap in Barangay Talaptap late Monday evening.

Their target, 41-year-old Edward Acupan, violently resisted and suddenly attacked the officers using a double-bladed weapon.

As a result, the deputy team leader identified as Captain Michael Muñez, also the deputy chief of the La Castellana police station suffered multiple stab wounds in the body and was taken to the Bacolod Doctors Hospital where he was listed already in stable condition.

PMSgt. Carampatana was knifed repeatedly in the body and was rushed to the La Castellana Rural Health Unit where he was pronounced dead upon arrival by an attending physician.

A 3rd cop identified as Corporal Gerson Guache sustained minor injuries during the knife attack.

Brig. Gen. Cardiño said other members of the team led by Major Romulo Gepilango, the chief of the La Castellana police station arrested Acupan who also suffered injuries while being subdued and taken to the La Castellana Rural Health Unit for treatment under police guard.

Recovered during the operation were several heat-sealed plastic sachets containing nearly P48,000 worth of suspected shabu, the buy-bust money topped by a marked bill, several drug paraphernalia and the blood-stained bladed weapons used in attacking the policemen.

The official presented the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal to Cpt. Muñez and Cpl. Guache.

The suspects will be facing criminal charges for direct assault, homicide, serious physical injuries and violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.