Based on data from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), murder and homicide cases in the province dropped by 15 percent in 2017, with 178 murder and 82 homicide incidents reported last year, as compared to 211 murder and 96 homicide cases in 2016.

NOPPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., attributed the decline to increase police operations and more cooperation from the community.

Meanwhile, motorcycle theft saw a drop of 66.67 percent, while theft in general reduced by 30.74 percent.

However, incidents of rape are up, increasing from 192 in 2016 to 222 last year, an increase of 15.63 percent./DGB, WDJ