• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 8 focus crimes, composed of murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping and motornapping, in Negros Island Region dropped by 22 percent last year, compared to 2024, according to reports of the Police Regional Office – NIR.
Based on PRO-NIR consolidated crime data, the total 8 focus crimes reduced from 1,299 incidents in 2024, to 1,012 incidents last year, registering a drop of 287 incidents.
Rape cases topped the list in 2025 at 262, followed by theft – 223, murder – 209, physical injuries – 123, homicide – 84, robbery – 74, motornapping – 34 and one incident of carnapping.
A notable reduction in the total number of 8 focus crimes last year was attributed by PRO-NIR to strengthened police operations, intensified crime-prevention strategies, and sustained community partnership across the region.
Despite the reduced crime volume, PRO NIR maintained a strong crime solution capability for the year 2025, with 295 incidents declared as cleared, and 682 solved, while only 35 cases were left unsolved.
While fewer crimes were recorded in 2025, continuous efforts are underway to further improve case resolution, particularly in addressing emerging crime trends and complex cases, disclosed by PLt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokespersons.
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR chief, said the significant reduction in focus crimes is a clear testament to the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of police personnel, across the region.
Our police officers are not only enforcing the law, but they are also actively preventing crime through visibility, intelligence, and close partnership with our communities, Ibay said.
While we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, let me be clear—PRO NIR will not relent in its mission to protect every life, secure every community, and hold criminals accountable, he stressed.
The PRO-NIR reiterated its calls on the public to remain vigilant and to continue supporting law enforcement efforts toward a safer and more secure Negros Island Region.*
