• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The volume of crime incidents in Negros Occidental reduced by 23.53 percent, from January to May 15 this year, compared to the same period in 2024.
A report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) on Tuesday May 20) showed that total crime incidents dropped from 1,649 in 2024 to 1,261 this year, or a reduction of 388 incidents.
Index crimes, which include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and theft of motorcycles, went down to 135 compared to 231 last year, registering a reduction of 41.56 percent.
Non-index crimes, which include the campaign against illegal drugs, gambling, among other special laws, reduced to 845 this year, from 1,023 in 2024, posting a decrease of 17.40 percent.
In the campaign against illegal drugs, NOCPPO reported the arrest of 531 suspected drug personalities and the recovery of 3.1 kilos of suspected shabu valued at P21.17 million and dried marijuana leaves worth P18,761.
A total of 113 persons were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, which also led to the confiscation of 131 assorted guns, while 167 other firearms have been surrendered.
The manhunt operations of NOCPPO against fugitives also led to the arrest of 1,031 wanted persons.
NOCPPO attributed the downward trend in crime incidents to the religious conduct of enhanced managing police operations, police integrated patrol system, intensified police visibility, checkpoint and law enforcement operations, and the implementation of local ordinances.
Implementation of best practices such as, but not limited formulation of action plans and “Armas Baylo Bugas” also contributed to the reduction of criminality in the province, it added.
The report was presented by NOCPPO during the 2nd Quarter Joint Provincial Peace and Order and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City. | GB
