PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director, said Bacolod City’s newly acquired electric vehicle (EV) fleet will further boost police efforts at reducing crime in the city.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gastaya led the turnover of 10 EVs to the Bacolod City Police Office at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Monday, April 27.
Gasataya cited BCPO’s notable achievement in reducing crime incidents in Bacolod by 50 percent from March to April 2026 compared to the same period last year.
The entire Negros Island Region also recorded a 38 percent decline in crime incidents.
Gasataya emphasized that the deployment of 10 EVs, with a total cost of ₱14 million, marks a significant step in strengthening police mobility while promoting sustainable and energy-efficient governance.
“By doing this, their mobility and visibility will improve, as they will no longer have to worry about fuel costs and liquidation processes. This simple ceremony reflects Bacolod’s direction in expressing gratitude to our PNP,” he said.
Ibay said the added mobility provided by the EV fleet will play a vital role in enhancing police response and visibility across the city.
“We all know that we do not control the increase in fuel prices. You can rest assured that we will reciprocate this support through improved police service here in Bacolod City,” he said.
“This is also in line with the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government for safer cities and safer communities across the Philippines…The crime rate in the city has gone down, and we intend to lower it even further. Increased mobility for our police personnel will greatly help achieve this,” Ibay said.
In addition to the EV fleet, the Philippine National Police also turned over one Tourist Police Unit to the Bacolod, further strengthening security efforts in key areas, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The unit is expected to enhance tourist safety, provide assistance services, and improve police visibility in major destinations across Bacolod City, it said.
Gasataya reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting the police force, recognizing their sacrifices in ensuring public safety.*
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