• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine National Police reported that crimes in Negros Occidental dropped by 11 percent.
In a report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), it said that crime incidents from January to November 30 this year went down to 2,708, compared to 3,037 in the same period last year, a decline of 329 incidents, which is equivalent to 11 percent.
Index crimes, which include murder, homicide, rape, robbery, physical injuries, theft and carnapping, dropped by 24 percent, from 482 in 2024, to 371 this year.
Non-index crimes, also known as violations of special laws, such as illegal possession of illegal drugs, gambling, firearms, illegal fishing and logging, also went down to 2010 from 2,387 last year, a reduction of 138.
NOCPPO attributed the downward trend in crime to sustained law enforcement operations, partnership and strong cooperation with local government units and stakeholders.
In the campaign against illegal drugs, NOCPPO arrested 1,345 drug personalities, which led to the confiscation of 6.16 kilos of suspected shabu and 2.6 kilos of dried marijuana leaves, with a total market value of P42.2 million, as a result of 1,062 anti-drug operations across the province.
A total of 266 firearms were seized by NOCPPO from 234 violators, while 317 guns have been surrendered, the report added.
However, in the campaign against illegal gambling, there was a significant reduction in the number of operations and arrested violators this year. While 2,392 violators were arrested last year, the number went down to 920 this year. Anti-illegal gambling operations also reduced from 733 in 2024 to 320 this year, police records further showed.
A total of P164,806 in cash bets were seized by the police this year, compared to P610,971 in 2024.
NOCPPO also reported the arrest of 2,358 fugitives, of which 271 tagged as most wanted persons.*
