• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a significant decline of 42 percent in murder cases across the region in January this year compared to December last year.
The decrease has been attributed to intensified crime prevention, sustained law enforcement efforts, and strong coordination with local government units and community partners.
Murder forms part of the eight focus crimes, composed also of homicide, physical injuries, rape, theft, robbery, motorcycle theft, and carnapping of motor vehicle.
A total of 67 focus crimes were recorded by PRO-NIR for the month of January this year, compared to 76 last month, registering a reduction of 11.84 percent.
In a report, the PRO-NIR also noted a drop in theft cases by 33.33 percent, rape cases by 22.2 percent, and physical injury cases by 14.29 percent.
“While we are encouraged by these gains, we will not be complacent,” PRO-NIR Director PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said.
“We will continue to strengthen law enforcement efforts to sustain the downward trend and further enhance public safety across the region,” he added. | GB
