• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office reported on Wednesday that the number of crime incidents during the period of January to July this year is lesser compared to the same period in the previous year.
Based on the data by the NOCPPO, the crime rate in the province declined by 20.07 percent, or around 500 incidents less than in 2024.
It showed that from January 1 until July 31 in 2024, recorded crime incidents reached 2486, while in the present year it only reached 1987, indicating a decline of the crime rate in the province.
According to Provincial Director PCol. Rainerio De Chavez, since last year they have laid all the strategies to lessen the criminality rate in the province, including checkpoints and nonstop law enforcement operations.
He also recognized the involvement of the public and the community in achieving a safer province.
Their record stated that during the said period, NOCPPO conducted 645 anti-illegal drug operations leading to the confiscation of close to 4,400 grams of shabu and marijuana amounting to P29,801,899, and the arrest of 807 drug personalities across the province.
In its war against illegal use of firearms, 155 individuals were apprehended, and 179 firearms were seized, while 209 were surrendered.
One hundred fifty-nine most wanted individuals and another 1391 wanted persons were apprehended in various manhunt operations conducted across the province.
On illegal fishing, 36 individuals were apprehended as the police were able to confiscate P1,219,500 worth of illegal fishing paraphernalia.
Furthermore, in their campaign against illegal gambling, 1,846 individuals were caught in the act of illegal betting during their 728 operations that led to the recovery of more than P250,000 in bet money.*
