Western Visayas crime incident drops in first nine months

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Crime incidents in Western Visayas declined in the first nine months of 2025, the Police Regional Office 6 reported.

From January to September 2025, PRO-6 logged 14,380 incidents, 209 fewer than the 14,589 recorded in the same period last year.

Under the Peace and Order Indicator, the region posted a 10.54% reduction with 5,722 incidents this year compared with 6,382 in 2024.

Brig. Gen. Josefina Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, said the steady decline underscores the effectiveness of intensified law enforcement operations, proactive community engagement, and strengthened collaboration with local government units and partner agencies.

“This downtrend in criminal incidents mirrors the dedication of our personnel and the cooperation of our communities, and we will continue to sustain this momentum to ensure the safety and security of all Western Visayans,” Ligan said.

Index crimes, or offenses against persons and property, decreased 20.74% to 1,261 incidents from 1,591 a year ago.

Non-index crimes, which include violations of special laws and other offenses, fell 6.89% to 4,461 cases from 4,791.

PRO-6 also recorded a 20.88% drop in the 10 focus crimes to 1,254 cases from 1,585 in 2024.

Physical injury, theft, and rape remain among the most commonly reported crimes, but all posted marked reductions from the previous year.

Ligan credited the consistent decrease to enhanced crime-prevention programs, data-driven deployment, and close coordination with local authorities and community stakeholders.

“We attribute this success to intensified visibility patrols, strict implementation of special laws, and the active role of the public in reporting and preventing crimes,” he added.

With the continuing downtrend, PRO-6 said Western Visayas remains generally peaceful and orderly, with police forces maintaining a strong presence in both urban and rural areas.

Ligan vowed to further strengthen anti-criminality and peacekeeping efforts as part of the command’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Region 6 residents.