Theft cases rise as lean months near

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) has noted an increase in theft cases in the province as the lean month or “Tiempo Muerto,” is approaching.

Based on the records of Nocppo, 55 incidents were recorded from January 1 to June 6, 2022, with a difference of 13 cases against 42 incidents in the said period last year.

Talisay City has the highest number of theft cases this year with 13, followed by Kabankalan City (6), Silay City (5), La Carlota City, San Carlos City, and Hinigaran town (4 each), Isabela town (3), and Bago City, Victorias City, Cauayan town, Ilog town, and San Enrique town with two each.

A theft case was also recorded each in the cities of Cadiz, Himamaylan, and the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinoba-an, Murcia, and Pulupandan.

No cases were recorded in Sagay City and the towns of Binalbagan, La Castellana, Pontevedra, Manapla, and Toboso.

“Gina bantayan ta na as of the moment, because it is rising,” according to Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, public information officer of Nocppo, during a regular virtual press briefing yesterday.

Despite the increase in theft cases, Donasco assured that police will do its very best to lessen such incidents.

Donasco also reiterated the reminder of Colonel Leo Pamittan, Nocppo director, to police chiefs to maximize the strength of their personnel on police visibility to prevent such incidents.