• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a 36.73 percent drop in focus crime incidents in May this year, compared to the same period in 2025, showing a significant improvement in the peace and order situation.
Data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division showed that focus crime incidents dropped from 98 cases in May 2025 to only 62 cases in May 2026, representing a reduction of 36 incidents.
The eight focus crimes are composed of murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and motorcycle theft.
Rape cases significantly declined from 31 to nine incidents, physical injuries from 10 to three, and theft incidents from 18 to 10, according to PRO-NIR reports.
The regional police office attributed the improvement to increased police visibility, focused anti-criminality operations, strengthened intelligence-gathering efforts, and closer collaboration with local government units, force multipliers, and community stakeholders.
“The steady decline in focus crime incidents, culminating in the lowest figure recorded in May, demonstrates that our intensified anti-criminality campaigns, sustained police presence, and strong collaboration with our communities are producing tangible results,” disclosed PBGen. Romano Cardiño, the acting PRO-NIR chief.
“While we recognize that there is still work to be done, these gains inspire us to push even harder in our mission to protect lives, preserve peace, and ensure that every community across Negros Island Region remains safe, secure, and resilient against all forms of criminality,” Cardino said.
PRO-NIR said it will continue to strengthen its crime prevention and law enforcement strategies through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced police visibility, and deeper community engagement.
The regional police office remains committed to sustaining the downward trend in criminality and further improving public safety, creating an environment where residents can live, work, and thrive with greater confidence and security.*
