Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) has formally requested additional higher-ranking police officers to fill station leadership roles, an official said Wednesday. NOrPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Polinar shared during a virtual press briefing that the province is currently lacking officers with the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel who can be assigned to police stations and key units.

According to Philippines News Agency, NOrPPO has submitted formal requests to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters regarding this shortage. The need arises as many senior officers have either retired or are nearing retirement, leaving no immediate replacements available.

Capt. Polinar emphasized that the scarcity of officers at the rank of major or higher presents challenges for NOrPPO. Only officers of these ranks are eligible to serve as police chiefs, and stations led by officers-in-charge (OICs) face limitations in exercising the authority of a regular police chief, which affects overall operations.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, highlighted that Negros Occidental is facing similar challenges. Efforts are underway to reach out to other regions to find police officials willing to be assigned to the Negros Island Region. He noted that although there are officers with the rank of captain, many are still awaiting promotion to qualify for higher leadership positions.