PRO-6 records 37% drop in Western Visayas focus crimes

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — Police Regional Office 6 recorded a 36.96% decline in focus crimes across Western Visayas in August as the country began observing National Crime Prevention Week.

From Aug. 1–31, PRO-6 logged 116 cases involving eight focus crimes, down from 184 incidents during the same period in 2025.

The eight focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle carnapping, and motorcycle carnapping.

Rape posted the steepest decline at 69.57%, falling from 46 cases in August 2025 to 14 this year.

Homicide cases decreased by 54.55%, from 11 to five.

Motorcycle carnapping dropped by 50%, from four cases to two.

Robbery declined by 45.16%, from 31 cases to 17.

Physical injury cases fell by 41.67%, from 36 to 21.

Theft registered a smaller decline of 4.08%, from 49 cases to 47.

As in August last year, no motor vehicle carnapping cases were recorded.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, said the figures were encouraging but stressed that crime prevention requires sustained cooperation between law enforcement and communities.

“We welcome the decrease, but we look at these numbers as a responsibility to keep doing better. Crime prevention is not only about responding when something happens. It is also about being present, listening to our communities, and acting on concerns before they become bigger problems,” Tuaño said.

The country is observing the 32nd National Crime Prevention Week from Sept. 1–7, 2026, with PRO-6 joining the nationwide campaign for stronger civilian participation and collective action.

This year’s observance carries the theme, “Strengthening Civilian Oversight and Collective Action for Safer Communities.”

Tuaño encouraged the public to remain vigilant, take reasonable precautions, secure their homes and belongings, and immediately report suspicious activities or safety concerns to the nearest police station or appropriate authorities.

“Everyone has a part to play in keeping our communities safe. Be alert, look after one another, and do not hesitate to report something that may put others at risk. When the community and the police work together, prevention becomes much stronger,” he added.

PRO-6 said sustained police visibility, community cooperation, and timely reporting remain important to maintaining the downward trend in crime across Western Visayas.