The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) called on the public to remain vigilant this holiday season amid the drop in crime incidents in Western Visayas from Jan. 1 to Dec. 15 this year.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility. We call on everyone to stay vigilant, follow the law, and work with the police so that we can all enjoy a peaceful, safe, and meaningful holiday season,” PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan said in a statement Monday, Dec. 22.
Data from the PRO-6 showed that the total incidents for the period reached 7,560 cases from 8,186 cases in 2024, or a drop of 7.65 percent, equivalent to 626 cases.
Index crime dropped to 1,678 cases from 2,002 in 2024, or a decline of 16.18 percent. Index crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, carnapping, robbery, theft and rape.
Focus crimes also declined from 1,994 cases in 2024 to 1,670 cases, or a reduction of 324 cases. The focus crimes include the index crime, with the addition of cybercrime and kidnapping.
Ligan said the reduced crime rate is a reflection of the effectiveness of heightened police visibility, intelligence-driven operations and strong coordination with local government units and community partners.
Meanwhile, he said police presence were intensified in transport terminals, commercial centers, churches and other areas of convergence to ensure the safety of the public as families celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year.
“Security operations will remain in full force throughout the holidays to protect lives, maintain order, and ensure a peaceful celebration across Western Visayas,” he said.PNA
