Western Visayas recorded a significant 15.67-percent decline in focus crimes in the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Police Regional Office (PRO-6).

Focus crime incidents in the region dropped to 366 in the first three months from 434 cases recorded in the same period last year.

The breakdown of the 68-case reduction highlighted major improvements across several key crime categories.

Most notably, rape cases plummeted by more than half, dropping from 110 to just 53.

Homicide cases nearly halved from 28 to 15, while cybercrime incidents decreased from 10 to 4.

Theft and physical injury cases also saw downward trends, falling to 102 and 81, respectively.

At the provincial level, Iloilo posted the largest reduction in terms of volume, with 48 fewer cases, representing a 28.40-percent decrease.

Aklan posted the highest percentage improvement with a 42.86-percent reduction in focus crimes, while Guimaras reported a 20-percent drop.

Beyond the reduction in crime volume, PRO-6 also demonstrated a highly effective investigative track record, exceeding national benchmarks for solving and clearing cases.

The regional office posted a Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) rate of 83.31 percent, higher than the national target of 74.46 percent.

Furthermore, PRO-6 recorded a remarkable Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE) of 94.56 lercent, comfortably surpassing the 81.95% national standard.

Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, PRO6-director, attributed the reduced crime incidents and high resolution rates to sustained police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and rigorous internal administrative mechanisms.

“The reduction in focus crimes reflects our intensified and strategic law enforcement efforts, as well as the active support of our communities,” he said.

According to Ligan, the high efficiency rates were the direct result of strengthened internal protocols, such as regular Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) meetings, continuous case reviews, and targeted training for investigators.

These measures, the official said, have allowed units to closely monitor ongoing investigations and rapidly address any investigative gaps.

“These efforts, coupled with the unwavering support of our communities, allow us to resolve cases more efficiently and deliver better police services,” Ligan added. IMT