BACOLOD City – Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay will formally assume post as the director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) today.
“Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Cabugao Ibay O-10571 is designated as Officer-in-Charge, Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, Philippine National Police, effective April 10, 2025,” read part of the order from the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters issued on Tuesday, April 8, and made public yesterday.
Ibay’s appointment marks a significant milestone for NIR, which is currently undergoing institutional and structural buildup following the passage of Republic Act No. 12000 that reinstated it as a separate administrative region covering Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
This former director of the Manila Police District will replace Police Regional Office 6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky who temporarily held the position as officer-in-charge of RO-NIR beginning March 27.
Ibay was known for his firm anti-crime stance, community engagement initiatives, and crisis management capabilities. He is expected to bring the same leadership style and strategic direction to the NIR, particularly as the region strengthens its law enforcement foundation amid ongoing transition efforts.
Ibay’s role as the top police official of NIR is crucial in ensuring peace and order, institutional coordination, and public safety during this critical phase of development. His leadership also comes at a pivotal time, with the May 12, 2025 national and local elections just weeks away.
As of this writing, the PNP has not yet released the date of Ibay’s formal installation ceremony, but transition meetings and coordination activities were reportedly already underway with provincial and city police offices in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor./PN
