By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a marked improvement in peace and order across the region, recording an 18.42 percent decline in focus crime incidents in the first five months of the year.
Crime levels reached their lowest point in May with 62 incidents, signaling strengthened law enforcement operations and sustained community cooperation.
Based on data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, focus crimes fluctuated in the first quarter before showing a consistent downward trend.
At least 77 incidents were recorded in January, rose slightly to 81 in February, and peaked at 93 in March.
However, this was followed by a steady decline to 76 in April.
Authorities noted that the downward trajectory in the last two months effectively offset earlier increases, resulting in an overall improvement in the region’s crime situation.
The May 2026 figure also represents a 36.73 percent decrease compared to the same month in 2025, when 98 incidents were recorded.
Several categories of focus crimes posted significant reductions.
Physical injuries dropped from 10 cases to three; rape cases decreased from 31 to nine; robbery incidents declined from seven to six; and theft cases went down from 18 to 10.
Notably, motor vehicle carnapping was completely eliminated during the period, with zero cases recorded compared to four incidents in the same timeframe last year.
PRO-NIR attributed the improvements to intensified police visibility, targeted anti-criminality operations, improved intelligence gathering, and closer coordination with local government units and community partners.
“The steady decline in focus crime incidents, culminating in the lowest figure recorded in May, demonstrates that our intensified anti-criminality campaigns, sustained police presence, and strong collaboration with our communities are producing tangible results,” PRO-NIR Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romano Velayo Cardiño said.
“While challenges remain, these gains encourage us to further strengthen our efforts to protect lives and maintain peace and order across Negros Island Region,” he added.
The regional police office said it will further enhance intelligence-driven operations, police visibility and community engagement programs to sustain the downward trend in criminality and improve public safety./CCJ, WDJ