BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office-13 has reported a 37.88 percent decrease in index crimes in the Caraga region.
PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said 123 cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20 compared 198 in the same period last year.
The PRO 13-Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division said index crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycles.
Physical injury cases dropped by 60.87 percent from 23 to nine; rape, 57.41 percent from 54 to 23; homicide, 50 percent, from six to three; robbery, 40 percent, from 30 to 18, and theft, 26.67 percent, from 60 to 44.
Ometer credited the reduction in rape cases to their relentless efforts and initiatives to combat gender-based violence.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano attributed the reduction to the implementation of strategic programs to protect women and children.
Abrahano credited their “Prepare, Prevent, and Respond” strategic framework and the support of the public and other government agencies for the reduction in index crimes.
Meanwhile, police arrested a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel considered as the No. 1 most wanted person in Southern Mindanao in Davao City on Sunday, Feb. 23.
The suspect Lar was wanted for arson, grave threat, and homicide.
Recovered from Lar were one 33-inch defaced homemade shotgun, one camouflage chest bag, one .38 caliber firearm, two grenades, one .45 caliber pistol, and bullets.
The suspect is under the custody of the Davao City Police Station for proper disposition.