Focus crimes in NIR drop 22% in 2025

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The eight focus crimes in the Negros Island Region declined by 22.1% in 2025, which police attributed to intensified operations, improved crime-prevention measures, and sustained community cooperation, according to the Police Regional Office–NIR.

Consolidated police data showed reported incidents dropped to 1,012 cases in 2025 from 1,299 cases in 2024, reflecting 287 fewer crimes year on year.

Rape remained the most reported among the eight focus crimes with 262 cases, although this marked a reduction of 78 incidents from the 340 cases recorded in 2024.

Theft followed with 223 cases, murder with 209, physical injury with 123, homicide with 84, robbery with 74, and motorcycle carnapping with 34 incidents.

Only motor vehicle carnapping registered an increase, rising to three cases in 2025 from one case in 2024.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the decline in seven of the eight focus crimes underscores the effectiveness of enhanced law enforcement strategies, including increased police visibility and intelligence-driven operations.

Despite the overall reduction, PRO-NIR said it will continue strengthening its efforts to further improve case resolution, particularly for emerging crime patterns and more complex cases.

The regional office reported sustaining a strong crime solution capability in 2025, with 295 cases cleared, 682 cases solved, and 35 cases remaining unsolved.

In a statement, PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said the crime reduction reflects the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of police personnel across the region.

“Our police officers are not only enforcing the law but are also actively preventing crime through visibility, intelligence work, and close partnership with our communities,” Ibay said.

While acknowledging room for improvement, Ibay said the regional office remains committed to protecting lives, securing communities, and holding offenders accountable.

“Our direction is firm and uncompromising: proactive policing, swift justice, and zero tolerance for criminality. We owe this to the people of NIR, and we will continue to deliver a police service that is visible, responsive, and worthy of public trust,” he said.

Ibay also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement initiatives throughout the region.

The Police Regional Office–NIR was reactivated on March 27, 2025, with Ibay appointed as its first regional director.

The Negros Island Region covers Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and the province of Siquijor.