Crimes in Western Visayas down by 67.4% on Christmas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Crime incidents in Western Visayas dropped significantly during the Christmas celebration.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 records showed that there were only 36 incidents that happened on Dec. 24 and 25, 2023.

This is 67.4 percent lower than the 85 crime incidents in 2022.

Cases of frustrated homicide topped the most number of incidents with six.

The second highest cases were complaints for violation of Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) followed by rape with three cases.

There were also three operations against illegal gambling.

On the other hand, two cases each of murder, theft, alarm and scandal, attempted homicide and physical injury were recorded.

A lone case each of robbery, violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 6 or illegal possession of deadly weapon, Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), homicide, concubinage, illegal drugs, frustrated murder, threat, malicious mischief and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) was also reported to the police.

Major Mary Grace Borio, PRO-6 spokesperson, said that most cases might have something to do with drunk offenders.

“A good number of these incidents happened because the suspects were drunk,” she said,

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, said they have endeavored for Western Visayas to have a peaceful celebration of the Holiday Season.

“The statistics show the effectiveness of the presence and the activities conducted by our police officers to preempt criminal activities this Yuletide,” he said.

As he commended PRO-6 personnel for keeping the region, he urged police personnel to continue their patrol operations to deter crimes from happening.