• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a decline in crime incidents in August this year, with total reported cases dropping by 21.02 percent compared with the same period last year.
Total crime incidents decreased from 880 cases in August 2025 to 695 cases in August 2026, which it attributed to sustained police visibility, timely response, focused operations, and strengthened coordination with communities and local government units.
The eight focus crimes, including murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping and motorcycle theft, also dropped by 10.53 percent, from 95 to 85 cases.
The total crime incidents posted the most significant improvement, plunging by 56.71 percent from 298 incidents in August 2025 to 129 incidents this year.
In a statement, PRO-NIR Director PBrig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said the decline was largely driven by fewer vehicular incidents involving physical injury and property damage, reflecting continuing efforts with partner agencies and communities to promote road safety.
Cardiño stressed that the figures represent more than statistical improvements, emphasizing their impact on families and communities across Negros Island.
“These figures are more than statistics. They reflect real improvements in the safety of our families and communities,” he said.
Cardiño added that every reduction in crime means fewer people affected, greater peace of mind, and stronger public confidence in the police service. | GPB
