Negros Island police say 5-minute response time slashed crime by 8%

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a 7.96% drop in crime from June 2 to July 31 following the implementation of the Philippine National Police’s five-minute response time (5MRT) policy.

“Over the past two months, since we adopted the chief PNP’s 5MRT policy in the region, we have seen measurable and positive changes in the crime environment,” said Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director.

He cited a decrease in total crime volume from 1,834 in 2024 to 1,688 in 2025—a reduction of 146 cases.

During a press briefing on Monday, Ibay said index crimes, or crimes against persons and property, dropped by 13 cases—from 179 to 166.

Non-index crimes fell by 162 cases—from 1,087 to 925.

He also highlighted a drop in eight focus crimes, including heinous crimes, from 178 to 166—a decrease of 12 cases.

The average monthly crime rate declined by 1.47, from 18.51 to 17.04.

The peace and order indicator also dropped by 173 incidents, from 1,264 to 1,091.

For crime resolution performance, the regional office recorded a 95.14% crime clearance efficiency and an 85.3% crime solution efficiency.

“This tells us that a fast, visible, and strategic response is working to deter crime, disrupt offenders, and resolve incidents quickly,” Ibay said.

Meanwhile, the public safety indicator increased by 26 incidents—from 571 to 579—which Ibay attributed to a rise in reported vehicular accidents.

However, he clarified that this does not necessarily mean roads are becoming more dangerous.

He said more people are now reporting accidents through 911.

“These numbers reflect better accessibility, faster service, and more accurate incident capture—not just an increase in collisions,” he added.

Ibay emphasized that while progress has been made, their work is far from done.

He said they are committed to refining patrol staging, improving road safety measures, and strengthening community partnerships.

“The 5MRT is more than a target—it is a commitment to protect lives and maintain peace,” he said.

Simulation exercises for the 5MRT are ongoing in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, as well as in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Ibay said the use of pre-positioned mobile units has helped deter crimes, while dispatch discipline through 911 and station hotlines—along with rapid call-taking and nearest unit dispatch—has been critical to sustaining the program.

He added that layered enforcement campaigns, fast follow-ups on calls and leads, and operational discipline have also contributed to the program’s success.

Looking ahead, the regional office plans to track response time quality, follow each response through to case filing, and compare results with crime clearance and solution rates.

They also aim to refine patrol deployment using heat maps and real-time crime data, issue public advisories on accurate 911 reporting, and enhance interoperability with CCTV and local government assets to support response teams.