• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 8 focus crimes, such as murder, homicide, rape, robbery, physical injuries, theft, motorcycle theft and carnapping, dropped by 55.55 percent during the Holy Week celebration in Western Visayas, compared to the same period last year.
On the other hand, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office reported that the “Semana Santa” celebrations in the province turned out to be generally peaceful, despite road crashes and an armed encounter in the Toboso hinterlands on Holy Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Police Regional Office 6, it said that the 8 Focus Crimes went down from 54 last year to 24 this year, registering a reduction of 55.55 percent.
PBrig. Gen. Leo Francisco, regional police director of Western Visayas, lauded the efforts of all police units and force multipliers in the region, for making the celebrations peaceful and orderly.
PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, NOCPPO spokesperson, disclosed yesterday that they have not recorded major crimes from April 3 to 9.
Catalogo said the maximized deployment of available police forces contributed a lot in ensuring stabilized peace and order in Negros Occidental.*
