Western Visayas saw a significant decline in crimes during the Christmas period, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) reporting a 76.47% reduction in incidents from December 16 to 25.
Authorities recorded just 24 cases across eight major crimes, compared to 102 during the same period last year. They saw substantial decreases in focus crimes—murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motorcycle theft.
The police said that the sharp drop to their intensified law enforcement efforts and the strong cooperation of local communities in preventing criminal activities.
They added that the holiday season marked by ‘Simbang Gabi,’ family reunions, and festive gatherings, unfolded successfully without incident.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6, said that the would maintain the region’s security plan through January 2025, covering both Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.