Holy Week Crime Rate in Negros Drops 46%

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Criminal incidents in Negros Occidental during Holy Week dropped by 46 percent this year, police reported.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, public information officer of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), said 51 incidents were recorded in 2025, compared to 94 cases last year.

Traffic-related incidents also declined by 48 percent, with only 14 accidents logged this year, down from 27 in 2024.

Catalogo credited the drop in crime and accidents to the aligned strategies and solution-based management of Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo provincial director, and Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

The two officials personally led inspections to ensure the implementation of security plans and strategic measures aimed at preventing criminality.

Catalogo also emphasized the importance of community cooperation in crime prevention, adding that increased police visibility in key areas served as a strong deterrent.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy drowned in a river in Barangay Camugao, Kabankalan City on Monday.

Police said the victim, who was swimming with his younger brother and four friends, misjudged the river depth and drifted into deeper water.

His companions tried to rescue him but failed.

The boy did not know how to swim, according to statements from his companions.

In Bacolod, no drowning incidents were reported during Holy Week.

However, a Good Friday tragedy marked the period, with three deaths and 17 injuries reported.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) also recorded only three theft cases.

In Siquijor, authorities reported a peaceful Holy Week with no untoward incidents.

The Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) credited police visibility, checkpoint operations and close coordination with local government units and volunteer groups for ensuring public safety.

Police Col. Emelie Santos, SPPO provincial director, lauded the efforts of security forces, the community and LGUs for their cooperation and vigilance.

“This demonstrates how proactive planning and teamwork, coupled with the strong support of the Siquijor community, can lead to positive outcomes,” Santos said.

“We are dedicated to maintaining the spirit of service in our ongoing mission to protect and serve,” she added.

Sea Travelers

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Visayas recorded 229,665 passengers in various seaports across the Negros Island Region (NIR) from April 13 to 20.

Of this number, 118,162 were outbound and 111,503 were inbound travelers.

A total of 478 vessels, 579 motorized boats, 545 roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ships and 141 other vessels were monitored during the period.

Maundy Thursday recorded the highest number of inbound passengers at 19,640, while Easter Sunday saw the most outbound passengers at 29,696.

Good Friday had the lowest passenger count, with 5,624 outbound and 5,578 inbound travelers.

Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr., PCG District Southern Visayas commander, said there were no maritime-related incidents reported during Holy Week.

He added that 9,809 Coast Guard personnel were deployed across the region to ensure the safety of sea travelers.