Focus crimes drop 15% in Western Visayas in Q1

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6 recorded a 15.67 percent decline in focus crimes across Western Visayas in the first quarter of 2026.

PRO-6 regional director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan attributed the drop to intensified law enforcement operations across the region.

PRO-6 records showed focus crimes fell from 434 cases in the first quarter of 2025 to 366 incidents in the same period this year, a reduction of 68 incidents.

Focus crimes are the 10 specific, high-frequency offenses monitored by the Philippine National Police to gauge public safety: murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle carnapping, motorcycle theft, cybercrime, and kidnapping.

Cybercrime posted the largest percentage decrease at 60 percent, with only four incidents reported compared to 10 in 2025.

Rape cases recorded a 51.82 percent decline, dropping from 110 cases last year to 53 this year.

Homicide cases fell 46.43 percent, from 28 to 15.

Theft cases decreased 15.70 percent, from 121 in 2025 to 102 this year.

Physical injury cases also went down by 10 percent.

Most provinces posted improvements. Aklan recorded the largest decrease at 42.86 percent, followed by Iloilo province with 48 fewer cases or a 28.40 percent reduction, and Guimaras with a 20 percent drop.

Ligan attributed the overall decline to sustained police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and strengthened collaboration with communities.

“The reduction in focus crimes reflects our intensified and strategic law enforcement efforts, as well as the active support of our communities,” he said.

While encouraged by the gains, Ligan said PRO-6 personnel should remain vigilant, especially in areas where increases were noted.

He said PRO-6 will continue to enhance its operational strategies and sustain crime prevention measures, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, and maintain high police visibility to address emerging threats across the region.