Following the downward trend of the Iloilo City crime rate towards the latter half of 2017, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recently reported a 53 percent drop in the crime rate in the first week of 2018.

ICPO recorded a total 45 criminal incidents between December 30 and January 5, lower than the 98 recorded during the same period last year.

According to ICPO operations and planning deputy chief, Police Inspector Mercylin Duero, contributing factors to the reduction in crime included “proper deployment” of law enforcement, increased patrols, and regular inspections of officers on duty.

“We also conduct weekly meeting to discuss the things that we must do to improve crime prevention program,” she added.

In addition, prior to New Year celebrations, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III ordered maximum police visibility throughout the city.

Also last month, following the shooting death of 24-year-old Rey Myr Tan, Espinosa ordered enhanced police visibility at nightlife hotspot, the Smallville Complex, located in the city’s Mandurriao district./PLL, WDJ