By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Crime incidents in Bacolod dropped by 6.17% in the first six months of 2024, with 593 cases recorded, down from 632 during the same period last year.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported a decrease of 12 cases, or 12.63%, in eight focus crimes. From January to June 2023, 95 cases were reported, compared to 83 during the first half of this year.
Theft had the highest number of cases with 26, followed by rape with 23, murder with 15, robbery with 7, physical injury with 5, motorcycle theft with 4, and homicide with 3.
However, murder and physical injury incidents saw an increase this year, with murder rising from 9 to 15 cases, and physical injury increasing from 4 to 5.
Seven police stations in Bacolod recorded a decrease in crime, while three stations—Police Station (PS) 1, PS 2, and PS 4—saw an increase. PS 1 registered 92 cases, PS 2 logged 124 cases, and PS 4 had 71 cases.
All three stations cover areas with a mix of commercial and residential structures, including Bacolod’s downtown area.
BCPO Director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica previously introduced a reward system for information that could assist the police in solving crimes and arresting suspects.
He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the campaign against illegal activities.