Bacolod City: The Office of the President has appointed Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as the chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) for the newly-established Negros Island Region (NIR). Lacson accepted his appointment at the Provincial Capitol building, receiving the official papers from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-NIR OIC-Regional Director Lailyn Ortiz and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Teodora Sumagaysay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ortiz conveyed her congratulations to Lacson in a letter, emphasizing that the appointment reflects his leadership and dedication to public service. She noted that the designation underscores Lacson's commitment to maintaining peace and order. The appointment, authorized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is seen as a recognition of Lacson's capability to lead with integrity.

Prior to the formation of the NIR, Lacson served as the chair of the RPOC-Western Visayas. He was honored with the Gawad Parangal by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in 2023, acknowledging his role in collaborative efforts to resolve local armed conflicts.

The official appointment was processed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and communicated to DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on March 26, with a directive to inform Lacson within a week. The creation of the NIR, under Republic Act 12000 signed by Marcos in June last year, consolidates Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into a single administrative region.