• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has reported a 38.89 percent decline in focus crime incidents in July 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting what police described as the result of intensified anti-criminality operations across the region.
PRO-NIR data on Aug. 6 showed the decline in focus crime incidents contributed to lower crime rates, safer communities, and improved public security in the Negros Island Region.
Cases of physical injury recorded the biggest decrease at 72.22 percent, dropping from 18 incidents in July 2025 to five incidents this year.
Rape cases also declined by 71.43 percent, from 28 cases to eight.
Murder incidents went down by 20 percent, from 20 to 16 cases, while theft cases decreased by 28 percent, from 25 to 18 incidents.
Homicide, robbery, and carnapping remained at manageable levels, which the PRO-NIR attributed to sustained law enforcement operations and strengthened crime prevention measures.
PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño credited the positive crime trend to sustained intelligence-driven operations, increased police visibility, aggressive law enforcement campaigns, and the strategic deployment of personnel in crime-prone areas.
Cardiño said the regional police force will continue to strengthen its anti-criminality initiatives and maintain close coordination with local government units and community stakeholders to further enhance peace and order across the region. | GPB
