• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The eight focus crimes, composed of murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motornapping, decreased by 22.1 percent in Negros Island Region last year.
Consolidated crime data of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) showed the average number of focus crimes went down from 1,299 incidents in 2024 to 1,012 incidents last year, registering a drop of 287 incidents.
Rapes cases topped the list at 262, followed by theft – 223, murder – 209, physical injury – 123, homicide – 84, robbery – 74, motornapping – 34, and carnapping – three.
A notable reduction in the total number eight focus crimes last year was attributed by the PRO-NIR to strengthened police operations, intensified crime prevention strategies, and sustained community partnership across the region.
Amid the reduced crime volume, PRO-NIR maintained a strong crime solution capability for year 2025, with 295 incidents declared as cleared and 682 solved while only 35 cases were left unsolved.
“While fewer crimes were recorded in 2025, continuous efforts are underway to further improve case resolution, particularly in addressing emerging crime trends and complex cases,” PLt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said.
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the significant reduction in focus crimes is a clear testament to the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of the region’s police personnel.
“Our police officers are not only enforcing the law, they are also actively preventing crime through visibility, intelligence, and close partnership with our communities,” he added.
Ibay called on the public anew to remain vigilant and to continue supporting law enforcement efforts toward a safer and more secure region. | GB
