BACOLOD CITY – Average number of eight focus crimes in Western Visayas dropped by 12.74 percent in the first three months of the year compared to the volume recorded during the same period in 2021, data of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO-6) showed.
These refer to incidents of murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motor theft.
In the first quarter of 2022, some 623 cases were reported as against 714 last year.
Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, the PRO-6 spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday this can be attributed to the enhanced managing police operations (EMPO) approach.
“We are focused on the weekly EMPO in the regional, provincial and city levels. The unit commanders are also hands-on in their respective areas of responsibility,” he added.
Solis also credited the cooperation of the local government unit (LGU) and barangay officials, force multipliers, and advocacy support groups in the anti-criminality campaign.
Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, director of PRO-6, acknowledged the unit commanders and their personnel as well as the stakeholders in Western Visayas for the collective effort to ensure peace and order in the region.
“These gains were achieved because of your cooperation and effort in implementing the peace and order programs of the Philippine National Police in collaboration with the community, LGUs, and other government agencies,’ he added.
Data of PRO-6 showed the eight focus crimes decreased in all cities and provinces except for Capiz and Bacolod City, which recorded a minimal increase.
Comparative figures showed Aklan logged 60 incidents in 2021 and only 47 in 2022; Antique – from 48 to 41; Guimaras – from 23 to 20; Iloilo Province – from 152 to 134; Negros Occidental – from 161 to 145; Iloilo City – from 130 to 81; Capiz – from 70 to 84; and Bacolod City – from 70 to 71. (PNA)
