The Bacolod City Police Office received a significant boost to its operational capabilities on April 27, 2026, as the city government formally turned over ten electric vehicles during a ceremonial blessing at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The donation of GAC AION electric vehicles was spearheaded by Bacolod City Mayor Hon. Greg G. Gasataya, marking a substantial investment in modernizing local law enforcement while promoting environmental sustainability in public service operations.
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Western Visayas (PRO NIR), and Police Colonel Eugene N. Rebadomia, Officer-in-Charge of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), formally received the vehicles during the ceremony attended by city government officials, police personnel, and community stakeholders.
Strategic Deployment Across Ten Police Stations
The electric vehicles will be strategically distributed across ten police stations throughout Bacolod City, significantly enhancing patrol coverage and response capabilities in different sectors of the city.
According to PRO NIR officials, the deployment strategy aims to maximize police visibility in key areas while ensuring rapid response to incidents across the city's jurisdiction. Each station will receive one electric vehicle to augment existing patrol units and improve mobility for daily operations.
The regional police office emphasized that the vehicles will be utilized to strengthen patrol efficiency, enhance police presence in communities, and ensure faster response times to emergency situations and crime incidents.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals
The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of law enforcement operations in Bacolod City. The GAC AION electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, contributing to improved air quality in urban areas where police patrols are most frequent.
City officials noted that the electric vehicle initiative aligns with broader sustainability goals and demonstrates the local government's commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining effective public safety services.
The electric vehicles are expected to generate substantial cost savings in fuel and maintenance expenses over their operational lifespan, allowing the police office to allocate resources more efficiently to other law enforcement priorities.
Enhanced Police Operational Capabilities
PRO NIR leadership expressed optimism that the modern electric vehicles will significantly improve the effectiveness of police operations throughout Bacolod City. The vehicles are equipped with advanced features that support contemporary policing requirements and provide officers with reliable transportation for various duties.
Police officials indicated that the electric vehicles will be integrated into regular patrol schedules, crime prevention operations, and rapid response protocols. The quiet operation of electric motors may also provide tactical advantages during certain law enforcement activities.
The regional police office committed to maximizing the utilization of these assets to ensure heightened police presence, intensify crime prevention efforts, and reinforce public trust through visible and responsive law enforcement services.
Government-Police Partnership Strengthened
The ceremonial turnover highlighted the strong collaborative relationship between the Bacolod City government and the Philippine National Police in advancing public safety through innovation and resource sharing.
Mayor Gasataya's administration has consistently demonstrated support for law enforcement operations through various initiatives, with this electric vehicle donation representing one of the most substantial contributions to police modernization efforts.
PRO NIR officials expressed sincere gratitude to the City Government of Bacolod for its steadfast support, emphasizing that such partnerships are essential for effective law enforcement in modern urban environments.
Community Safety and Public Trust Initiatives
The introduction of electric patrol vehicles is expected to enhance community relations by demonstrating the police force's commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining security services. The modern fleet may help improve public perception of law enforcement professionalism and technological advancement.
Police commanders noted that the increased patrol capabilities provided by the additional vehicles will contribute to more comprehensive coverage of residential areas, business districts, and public spaces throughout Bacolod City.
The enhanced mobility and visibility are designed to strengthen crime deterrence efforts while ensuring that police units can respond promptly and decisively to various incidents and emergencies across the city.
Operational Training and Implementation
The Bacolod City Police Office will conduct comprehensive training programs to ensure officers are proficient in operating the electric vehicles safely and efficiently. The training will cover proper charging procedures, vehicle maintenance requirements, and operational protocols specific to electric patrol units.
Police officials indicated that the implementation of electric vehicles will be gradual, allowing officers to adapt to the new technology while maintaining current service levels during the transition period.
The successful integration of these vehicles into daily operations will serve as a model for potential expansion of the electric vehicle fleet and similar sustainability initiatives in other aspects of police operations.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR/Facebook