CEBU CITY – With increased police visibility, fewer crimes were recorded in Central Visayas in the past week, the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) reported.
Police Brig. Gen. Roy Parena, officer-in-charge of PRO-7, said there were only 51 crime incidents recorded from Nov. 24 to 30.
The figure is 40 percent lower compared to the same period last year when 85 incidents were recorded, said Parena.
Cases of homicide, physical injuries, rape, and theft dropped significant dropped, added Parena.
Parena noted that there were only three cases of robbery in the previous week compared to the 14 in the same period last year.
POLICE Lt. Col. Janette Rafter discusses the crime rate in Central Visayas. (Contributed photo)
Police Lt. Col. Janette Rafter, spokesperson of Parena, said the decrease in crime index was attributed to the deployment of more police personnel on the ground, especially in areas that normally attract huge crowds.
Parena instructed station commanders to continue increased police visibility.
Rafter said deployed personnel will not only help deter crimes but will also assist in ensuring smooth flow of traffic.
The presence of police on the street is needed as the onset of the holiday season is expected to cause heavy traffic, said Rafter.
The PRO-7 is set to augment the police force in the three major tri-cities – Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.
Rafter said that aside from preparing for Christmas and New Year, the PRO-7 is also gearing up for the Sinulog Festival in January.