By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) reported a 13.11% decrease in crime incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, Nocppo recorded 3,885 crime incidents, 586 fewer than the 4,471 cases documented during the same period in 2023.
The decline was attributed to sustained police efforts, including increased patrols, community engagement initiatives, and proactive law enforcement strategies aimed at preventing criminal activities before they occur.
Nocppo highlighted the crucial role of collaboration with local government units (LGUs), community organizations, and other stakeholders in fostering a safer environment in Negros Occidental.
Awareness campaigns, improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, and the implementation of enhanced security measures during holidays and festivals also contributed to the reduction in crime.
Police Col. Rainero de Chavez, Nocppo director, commended the provincial staff, police chiefs, and personnel for their efforts, urging them to sustain the momentum to further improve safety in the province.
“This reduction in crime highlights the importance of collective efforts in fostering safer, stronger communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the province were described as peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
Nocppo confirmed that the New Year’s celebration was incident-free, with no stray bullet cases recorded.
