Negros Occidental Crime Rate Drops by 13%

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) reported a 12.81 percent decrease in crime incidents from January 1 to November 25 this year.

Data presented during a command conference at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 in Iloilo City on Nov. 28 showed 3,525 criminal incidents recorded over the past 11 months. This marks a reduction of 518 cases compared to the 4,043 incidents during the same period in 2023.

Crimes under the Peace and Order Indicator (POI) dropped by 7.34 percent, translating to 216 fewer incidents, from 2,944 to 2,728 cases. Within the POI, eight focus crimes saw a 37.65 percent decline, with 414 cases recorded this year compared to 664 last year.

Among these, murder decreased by 8.16 percent or 12 cases, from 147 to 135 incidents. Homicide dropped by 22.45 percent or 11 cases, from 49 to 38. Physical injuries were down by 35.42 percent or 17 cases, from 48 to 31. Robbery saw a 25.49 percent reduction or 13 cases, from 51 to 38.

The largest percentage drop was in motorcycle carnapping, which fell by 64.71 percent or 11 cases, from 17 to six. Theft declined by 55.62 percent or 74 cases, from 134 to 60. Rape cases were reduced by 51.61 percent or 112 incidents, from 217 to 105. Carnapping of motor vehicles remained steady, with one case reported for both years.

Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo director, attributed the crime decline to measures such as the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), the Police Integrated Patrol System, increased visibility, checkpoint operations, enforcement of laws, and implementation of local ordinances.

He also highlighted initiatives like “Oplan Dasig,” targeted action plans, and the “Armas Baylo Bugas” program as key factors in reducing criminality in the province.

The Public Safety Indicator (PSI) also showed improvement, with a 27.48 percent decrease or 302 fewer incidents, from 1,099 to 797 cases.

Within the PSI, vehicular accidents dropped by 27.36 percent, with 794 incidents recorded this year compared to 1,093 last year, a difference of 299 cases.

De Chavez credited the decrease in PSI incidents to strict enforcement of traffic ordinances, road safety seminars, strategic checkpoints, and widespread information campaigns.

The provincial police urged the public to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful holiday season and pledged to continue efforts to maintain the province’s safety and security.