By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has reported a decrease of 23.32 percent in the crime volume here from January to November this year.
Figures released on Thursday afternoon showed a reduction of 793 crime incidents — from 3,400 in January to November 2017 to only 2,607 during the same period this year.
Index crimes, or crimes against persons and properties, dropped to 624, or 44.88 percent — from 1,132 in the first 11 months last year. These comprise the eight focus crimes, which all decreased from January to November this year.
A decrease of 42.11 percent was recorded for murder; homicide, 65.38 percent; physical injury, 42.69 percent; rape, 31.76 percent; robbery, 44.9 percent; theft, 46 percent; carnapping, 85.71percent; and motorcycle theft, 56.76 percent.
Senior Supt. Francisco Ebreo, acting city police director, said the aim has always been to reduce the crime volume in Bacolod, especially the eight focus crimes, which indicates the actual peace and order situation of a particular area.
“When these crimes happen, it affects individuals. It alarms investors and tourists. With the resources available, we do our best to reduce the index crimes and the crime volume in general,” he said.
Non-index crimes or violations of special laws were down by 12.57 percent, or 285 incidents — from 2,268 between January and November in the past year to only 1,983 during the same period in 2018.
Meanwhile, police-initiated operations against various crimes increased in the first 11 months this year, including those against illegal drugs, which rose by 38.61percent — from 259 last year to 359 operations this year.
Operations against illegal gambling increased by 72.6 percent and 16 percent against illegal possession of firearms.
In the campaign against wanted persons, the Bacolod Police conducted 582 operations which led to the arrest of 328 persons. These include 44 most wanted persons in the station level and two in the city level as well as 282 other wanted persons.
Also, the Bacolod Police conducted 349 operations against illegal gambling which led to the arrest of 1,006 persons and the confiscation of PHP67,509.25 in cash.
A total of 349 cases were filed, including 252 for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 and 97 for violation of Republic Act 9287, or Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games, Amending Certain provisions of PD 1602 and for Other Purposes.
