Lower crimes, zero stray bullet case during holiday break

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

No major incident happened as Region 6 greeted 2022.

Generally, Western Visayas celebrated the New Year peacefully, said Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis.

“We have also not recorded any injury or fatality of stray bullet incidents,” he added.

In the region, only one case of indiscriminate firing was registered. It involved a drunk truck driver who indiscriminately fired his gun evening of Dec 31 at Barangay San Agustin, City Proper district, Iloilo City.

He was subsequently arrested and will be charged for alarm and scandal and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, Western Visayas police chief, has lauded the residents of Barangay San Agustin for their vigilance and timely reporting of the incident that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“Ito po ay nagpapakita na mas malaki ang ating magagawa kapag ang kumunidad at ang PNP ay nag tutulungan. At ako po’y nagpapasalamat sa kooperasyon ng lahat sa payapa at matiwasay na pag salubong natin sa bagong taon. Sana po patuloy nyong supportahan ang inyong kapulisan,” Dongbo said.

Authorities braced for a surge in crimes as the region loosened COVID-19 restrictions which allowed more people to go out, particularly during the holidays.

Meanwhile, PRO-6 also recorded a decrease in the number of crimes during the Holiday Season from Dec 16-31, 2021.

The current period only recorded 923 incidents, 10.3 percent lower compared to last year’s 1,029 cases.

For the same period, 117 incidents involving eight focus crimes were recorded. The number is lower by 19 incidents or 13.97 percent from 136 cases in 2020.

The eight focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping/motorcycle theft.

The PRO6 leadership has cited the force multipliers, village watchmen, and local government units for their support and cooperation in the maintenance of peace and order.

Solis has also recognized different media platforms for their “continued awareness broadcasts and reminders to the general public of their individual roles and responsibilities for a peaceful yuletide season celebration.”