Crimes in NorMin down in first half of year: Police

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao’s crime incidence significantly decreased in a span of six months this year, police said.
Based on the records of Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao), 4,986 crimes occurred from January to June this year, a 40.27-percent slide from figures in the same period last year.

“This clearly shows that our crime prevention programs are effective,” Chief Supt. Timeteo Pacleb, regional police director, said on Friday.

PRO-10 records also showed a remarkable 65.9 percent decline in robbery cases and 71.52 percent in theft incidents over the January to June period.

The significant drop in crime volume placed PRO-10 on the top spot, besting all other regions nationwide, Pacleb said.

“I wish to convey my appreciation and gratitude to all units that had led to the high percentage reductions in crime volume, average monthly crime rate, index crime volume, and average monthly index crime rate in Northern Mindanao for the first semester of 2018, as compared to the same period last year," the police official said.

"Let us carry on until we attain a crime and drug-free Northern Mindanao,” Pacleb said.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, PRO-10 spokesperson, said the achievement was noticed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, who congratulated the regional police office’s achievement.

Meanwhile, more than 600 individuals were arrested by PRO-10 following the implementation of local ordinances and special laws across the region in line with the anti-“tambay" (loiterer) campaign, Sereñas said.

Since June 13, law enforcers have arrested 179 persons for drinking in prohibited places, 88 for smoking in public areas, 292 for violating curfew hours, and 50 for alarms and violation of other laws and local ordinances.

Pacleb said the strengthening of police presence, especially in crime-prone areas and places of convergence, will continue.

“This is purposely to address the nationwide issue of increasing street crimes. We just have to sustain our effort to keep our street safe and crime-free,” he said.

However, Pacleb reiterated that police officers must follow procedures in making arrests, saying those who violate the police code of conduct will be properly dealt with.

“We are constantly reminding our personnel to strictly observe operational protocols, adhere to the rule of law and respect human rights,” he said. (PNA)