Crimes in W. Visayas ebb by 8.66%, cops say

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Crimes against persons and properties in Western Visayas slightly decreased in 2022, according to the police.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) on Tuesday said that 2,783 cases tagged under the eight focus crimes were recorded from January to December 2022.

The eight focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

The latest number is 8.66 percent lower compared to 3,047 crime incidents in 2021.

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) topped the most number of eight focus crimes at 700 incidents.

Not far behind is the Iloilo PPO with 624; Capiz PPO with 389; Iloilo City Police Office with 382; Bacolod City Police Office with 257; Aklan PPO with 209; Antique PPO with 151; and PPO with only 71 cases.

Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, attributed the slight reduction of crime incidents across the region to the regular of Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) of all concerned police units.

EMPO widens the anti-criminality operational plan on regular law enforcement activities through police presence and focused operations; security measures through target hardening, and border controls.

Through EMPO, police will also strengthen their social investigation, through maximum use of quad media in intensifying public awareness, contingency planning through regular conduct of SIMEX, CEREX, and COMMEX; organization of red teams to challenge security preparations, feedback mechanism and offensive silence through tactical operations.

Francisco also cited the active support of the local government units (LGUs), barangay officials, force multipliers and PNP advocacy support groups.

He again commended all unit commanders for their efficient leadership and personnel’s commitment to successfully reducing crime incidents in their respective areas of responsibility.

The region’s top cop has enthused all PRO-6 personnel to continue their dedication and commitment to service.