BACOLOD CITY – Average crime volume in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental decreased in the first quarter of 2021, separate figures released by the police on Tuesday showed.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), which covers 31 cities and municipalities, excluding this capital city, reported a 22.95 percent drop in index crimes or those against persons and property -- from 183 incidents in 2020 to only 141 this year.
Also, non-index crimes, which are violations of special laws, decreased by 12.29 percent, to only 514 from January to March this year from last year’s 586.
Lt. Abegael Donasco, deputy public information officer, said various preventive measures led to lower crimes in Negros Occidental in the past three months.
She cited the Household Integrated Support or H.I.S. for Peace project, initiated by provincial director Col. Romy Palgue, which aims to bring the police closer to the people as they go around to bring food assistance as well as increase their presence in the community.
“We also credit the community for their cooperation. Those who followed the rules and stayed home,” Donasco added.
Of the eight focus crimes, a significant decrease was mostly reported in homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motorcycle theft, but murder increased by 32.4 percent -- from 37 to 49 incidents.
Murder cases usually involve personal circumstances and are borne out of grudge, which is one of the angles being considered, Donasco said.
In Negros Occidental, the average monthly crime rate also dropped by 14.82 percent.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported a reduction of 19.14 percent in total crime incidents from January to March this year, with only 321 incidents recorded compared to 397 for the same period in 2020.
The 321 incidents included 71 index crimes and 250 non-index crimes.
During the period, the average monthly crime rate decreased as well by 17.49 percent.
According to the BCPO, lower crime incidents can be attributed to initiated police operations and religious conduct of enhanced managing police operations, which address and apply appropriate and target-specific interventions.
Col. Manuel Placido, police city director, acknowledged the efforts of the police force as he hoped for a more peaceful and orderly Bacolod in the next quarter review. (PNA)
