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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Negros Island Region crimes drop 22% in 2025

Negros Island Region crimes drop 22% in 2025

Published Jan 6, 2026 07:13 pm
IBAY (FB)
IBAY (FB)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a 22.1 percent decrease in eight focus crimes in 2025, reflecting strengthened police operations, intensified crime-prevention strategies, and sustained community partnership across the region.
Crimes went down 287 cases, from 1,299 incidents in 2024 to 1,012 in 2025.
Under the eight focus crimes, rape topped the list with 262, but went down 78 in 2025 from 340 in 2024. Theft followed with 223 incidents, murder with 209, physical injury with 123, homicide with 84, robbery with 74, and carnapping of motorcycles with 34. Only carnapping of motor vehicles increased by two from only one in 2024 to three in 2025.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the significant reduction in seven crimes underscored the effectiveness of focused law-enforcement efforts, visibility patrols, and intelligence-driven operations.
Police maintained a strong crime solution capability in 2025, clearing 295 cases, solved 682, and only 35 cases were left unsolved.
While fewer crimes were recorded last year, PRO-NIR vowed to continue its efforts to further improve case resolution, particularly in addressing emerging crime trends and complex cases.
The PRO-NIR was reactivated here on March 27, 2025. Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay was designated as the first regional director. The region covers Negros Occidental, including this highly-urbanized city, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Ibay stated that the significant reduction in focus crimes is a clear testament to the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of its personnel.
“Our police officers are not only enforcing the law, but they are also actively preventing crime through visibility, intelligence, and close partnership with our communities,” he said.
He acknowledged room for improvement and stressed that they will not relent in their mission to protect every life, secure every community, and hold criminals accountable.
“Our direction is firm and uncompromising: Proactive policing, swift justice, and zero tolerance for criminality. We owe this to the people of NIR, and we will continue to deliver a police service that is visible, responsive, and worthy of public trust,” Ibay said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts.
Meanwhile, a 57-year-old jeepney driver tested positive for illegal drug use during a mandatory random drug test conducted on 101 jeepney, bus, and other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors at the Bacolod South Terminal on Monday, Jan. 5.
The activity was part of “Oplan: Harabas,” an initiative led by the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-NIR and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).
The driver’s license was temporarily confiscated pending confirmatory testing.
Corresponding penalties, including possible license revocation, will be imposed under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
The operation aims to strengthen road safety enforcement and ensure commuter safety, particularly following the holiday season.

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PRO-NIR Crime Negros Island 2025
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