During a meeting at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., declared the province generally peaceful, citing a 66.62 percent drop in crime between January and August of this year.

However, he noted various members of the local community remain uncooperative with law enforcement, which he said is a lingering challenge. Among the issues encountered include individuals unwilling to provide information on suspect whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) director, Engr. Carmelo Orbista, discussed details of the Peace and Order Council (POC) performance audit, saying, it will determine the best POC practices.

In addition, Captain Emil Charlie Jaudian of the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade provided a security update./WDJ