By CESAR JOLITO III

Police authorities in the Negros Island Region (NIR) recorded a notable decline in crime at the start of 2026, with focus crimes dropping by 11.84 percent in January compared to the previous month.

The Police Regional Office – NIR (PRO-NIR) said the decrease reflects the impact of intensified law enforcement strategies and closer coordination with communities and local governments.

Data from the Crime Information, Reporting and Analysis System showed that 67 focus crimes were logged from January 1 to 31, down from 76 cases in December 2025.

Focus crimes monitored by police include homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping involving both motor vehicles and motorcycles.

PRO-NIR public information office chief Lt. Colonel Joem Malong said the reduction was driven by heightened police visibility, intelligence-led operations, focused patrols, and strong partnerships with local government units and community stakeholders.

Significant decreases were also recorded in several crime categories.

Murder cases fell by 42.86 percent, physical injury incidents declined by 14.29 percent, rape cases dropped by 22.22 percent, and theft went down by 33.33 percent.

Notably, no carnapping incidents involving motor vehicles were reported during the period, marking a 100-percent reduction.

Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, said the figures indicate that the region’s proactive policing measures are yielding positive results.

He emphasized, however, that the police force will not let its guard down, noting that sustained enforcement and community cooperation are essential to maintaining peace and order.

“We remain committed to protecting lives and property and to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all communities in the Negros Island Region,” Ibay said, as he called for continued public support to keep crime rates low and strengthen public trust./CJ, WDJ