By CESAR JOLITO III

Crime incidents in the Negros Island Region (NIR) significantly declined in February 2026, with authorities reporting an 18.6 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

Data from the Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System showed that total crime cases dropped from 860 in February 2025 to 700 in February 2026.

Police records also showed improvements in key peace and order indicators.

The peace and order indicator declined by 17.44 percent, while index crimes dropped by 18.82 percent.

Non-index crimes also decreased by 17.21 percent during the same period.

Meanwhile, the region’s eight focus crimes — considered among the most serious offenses — also fell by 18.82 percent.

The public safety indicator showed a notable improvement, declining by 21 percent from 281 incidents in February 2025 to 222 cases recorded in February this year.

PRO-NIR attributed the decline to intensified police operations, strengthened intelligence gathering, and increased police visibility in strategic areas across the region.

Police officials also highlighted the role of close coordination with local government units, barangay officials and community stakeholders, which helped improve information sharing and support crime prevention initiatives.

Despite the positive trend, PRO-NIR assured the public that law enforcement efforts will continue to be strengthened to sustain the gains.

Authorities said focused police operations, intelligence-led policing, and community-oriented programs will remain key strategies to ensure lasting peace and order across the provinces in the region.

The regional police office also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

PRO-NIR said the decrease in crime incidents reflects its ongoing commitment to providing a responsive, accountable, and people-centered police service while prioritizing the safety and welfare of communities across the region./CJ, WDJ