The Dumaguete City Police Station has reported that between October 1 and November 7, only 70 crime incidents were recorded, a decrease by 21 percent compared to 91 incidents in the same period last year.

In a City Peace and Order Council meeting, Lt. Colonel Ronoel Fungo disclosed that no homicide, murder, robbery, carnapping, rape and rape with homicide cases were reported in the same period.

The City Health Office also reported that of the total 905 surrenderees or people who use drugs (PWUDs) in 2017, around 334 or 37 percent had completed their assessment as of November 7.

With the absence of drug dependents and pushers in Poblacion 4, 5 and 7, these are considered drug-free barangays, while Poblacion 6 was declared drug-cleared.

The City Health Office also noted that the low or no response to assessment of PWUDs is due to change of address, unknown whereabouts, conflict in work schedule, and imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the regional performance audit by the Department of the Interior and Local Government has recognized the Dumaguete City Peace and Order Council for its functionality for 2022.

Among the factors considered during the performance audit included organization, meetings, plans, budgets, policies, reports, general supervision, innovations, effectiveness in addressing criminality issues, citizen’s satisfaction with peace and order and public safety and women’s participation. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)