(Photos Courtesy of PBGen Tom Ibay Facebook Page)
BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is fully mobilized to secure the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) as voters continue to troop to polling centers on Monday, May 12.
In a statement, PRO-NIR Regional Director Police Brigadier General (PBGen) Arnold Thomas Ibay assured voters of their safety after the election-day shooting incident in Silay City, which left two people dead and seven others wounded.
Ibay condemned the violent act and assured the public that all necessary actions are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and maintain peace and order in the community.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence. The full force of the law is being applied to apprehend the suspects. We assure the people of Silay and the entire region that security forces are fully mobilized to protect our communities, especially during this critical election period,” the official said.
In a press release, PRO-NIR reiterated that the situation in Silay City is under control.
PRO-NIR has since launched a manhunt operation to apprehend the suspects, established checkpoint operations across Silay City and neighboring towns, and deployed additional police officers to ensure the safety of voters.
Furthermore, an Area Command Post (ACP) and a Provincial-Level Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) have been established to effectively coordinate operations.
“We assure the community that justice will be served. Our teams are on the ground and fully engaged. We urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with the authorities, and report any information that may aid in the immediate capture of the suspects,” Ibay said.
Apart from the shooting incident in Silay City, PRO-NIR has recorded no other notable incidents in the region.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region enjoined the public to go out and vote despite the incident, as law enforcers continue efforts in securing communities amid the 2025 midterm polls. (EAD-BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
