PBGen. Cardiño Concludes PRO NIR Tour of Duty, Leaves Legacy of Responsiveness and Results-Driven Police Service

Police Brigadier General Romano V. Cardiño formally concluded his tour of duty as Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, leaving behind a strengthened organization marked by intensified law enforcement operations, improved public safety efforts, and a police service brought closer to the people.

During his tenure, PBGen. Cardiño led PRO NIR with a clear focus on addressing criminality while ensuring that police service remained responsive, accessible, and meaningful to the communities across the Negros Island Region.

From May 8 to September 6, 2026, PRO NIR sustained aggressive operations against illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, illegal gambling, and cigarette smuggling. The command conducted 792 anti-illegal drug operations, including two Search Warrant Implementations, resulting in the arrest of 1,039 drug personalities and the seizure of 21,552.56 grams of shabu and 1,442.50 grams of marijuana, with a standard drug price of PhP 146,730,528.40.

The campaign against loose firearms likewise yielded significant results, with 545 operations conducted, including 38 Search Warrant Implementations, leading to the confiscation of 272 firearms, the surrender of 286 unlicensed firearms, and the arrest of 107 individuals. These efforts underscored the command’s continued drive to keep illegal and unregistered firearms out of the hands of individuals who may use them to threaten public safety.

Meanwhile, sustained intelligence-driven and manhunt operations resulted in the arrest of 2,078 wanted persons, including 297 wanted persons and 1,039 other wanted personalities, reflecting PRO NIR’s continued efforts to locate and apprehend individuals sought by law enforcement authorities.

PRO NIR also intensified its campaign against illegal gambling, conducting 435 operations that resulted in 973 arrests and the confiscation of PhP 192,076.00. In the fight against cigarette smuggling, 590 operations led to 33 arrests and the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP 81,485,610.00.

The command likewise strengthened the enforcement of local ordinances across the region, recording 122,697 violators during the period. Of this number, 45,592 were fined, while 77,100 were warned, reflecting the police force’s continuing role in promoting discipline, public order, and compliance with local regulations in communities.

Beyond these operational accomplishments, one of the defining legacies of PBGen. Cardiño’s leadership was the establishment of the SAFE NIR DIAL 911 Program.

Launched under his leadership, SAFE NIR DIAL 911 strengthened the connection between the police and the communities they serve by providing the public with a direct and accessible channel for emergency assistance. More than an emergency hotline, the initiative embodied PBGen. Cardiño’s belief that when people call for help, the police must be ready to respond.

The program became an important component of his flagship SAFE NIR Program, which stands for Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary Police Service. Through this guiding principle, PRO NIR was encouraged not only to be visible in the community but also to ensure that the public genuinely feels the presence and value of police service.

His leadership emphasized that effective policing goes beyond the number of arrests made or operations conducted. It is also reflected in the ability of the police to respond to emergencies, build trust, protect the vulnerable, and remain accountable to the people.

As PBGen. Cardiño leaves PRO NIR, he turns over an organization that has built on its operational gains while continuing to strengthen its connection with the communities it serves.

His accomplishments will serve as part of the foundation upon which PRO NIR will continue to move forward.

More importantly, the programs and principles established during his tenure will remain a reminder of the kind of police service he sought to promote: firm against criminality, responsive to the needs of the people, and always ready to serve.

As he concludes his tour of duty, PBGen. Cardiño expressed his sincere gratitude to the men and women of PRO NIR for their dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering support, as well as to the local government units, partner agencies, community leaders, stakeholders, and the people of the Negros Island Region for their continued trust and cooperation.

While leadership may change, the commitment to public service remains. The men and women of PRO NIR will carry forward the gains and lessons of his tenure as they continue to uphold the mission of providing Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary Police Service to every community across the Negros Island Region.* (PRO NIR)