Crimes, accidents down amid border lockdown

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) has reported a crime reduction of 20 percent from March 16 to 22, 2020, following the closure of borders ordered by the provincial government to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a press release, the provincial police office said that the record of eight focus crimes is lower compared to that of March 9 to 15, 2020. Eight focus crimes included murder, homicide, carnapping, theft, robbery, physical injury, rape, and motornapping.

Also, Nocppo reported that vehicular accidents decreased by 57 percent. The fall in the statistics is seen as a result of the significant decrease in motorists likewise the intensified presence of police officers on the streets as several restrictions were implemented as part of the government’s effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, Nocppo director, said that while the police are focused at preventing the spread of COVID-19, law enforcement operations will not be set aside.

He said that despite being at the frontlines, especially in manning the quarantine control points in five identified border locations in the province, the police stations have intensified its police operations, increasing it by 40 percent. These include implementation of special laws, he added.

“We have enough policemen to ensure public safety and peace and order. The people need not worry, follow the advice of the authority and we will ensure their security,” he said.