The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said that the 2025 National and Local Elections in the region was generally peaceful. except for an isolated shooting incident in Silay City, Negros Occidental, on May 12.
The PRO-NIR, in a press statement, said that despite the incident the overall conduct of the elections across the region remained calm and orderly.
“Voters were able to freely and safely exercise their right to vote in all areas of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, demonstrating the strength of our democratic process”, the statement said.
PRO-NIR also said that they are commending the efforts of the security forces, election officials, volunteers, and the citizens of the Negros Island Region for their active participation and commitment to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
With the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, PRO-NIR also initiated a shift from election security operations to disaster response mode in all areas directly affected by the volcanic activity.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Ibay, NIR police director, said that the police are now coordinating with Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to support evacuation, relief, and security operations as necessary.
“While we continue to ensure the safe conclusion of the 2025 National and Local Elections in the rest of the region, our priority now includes protecting lives and supporting affected communities in this time of emergency”, he said.
He also said that PNP-NIR is ready to augment resources and personnel in affected areas to maintain order, provide humanitarian support, and assist in disaster response efforts with their specialized units, including search and rescue teams and medical responders, who are on standby for rapid deployment.*