BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recorded a 19.85 percent decline in crime incidents during the observance of Holy Week, compared to the same period last year.
Based on the IPPO record from April 3 to April 9 in 2023 and March 25 to 31 this year, the crime incidents dropped from 136 to 109.
Eight focus crimes, which include murder, homicide, robbery, theft, rape, physical injury, carnapping-motor vehicle, and carnapping, incidents dropped from 12 to 4, or 66.67 percent.
IPPO director Colonel Ronaldo P. Palomo said that the strict implementation of security measures and maximum police presence contributed to IPPO’s crime prevention strategy.
“Despite the scorching heat and having to spend the long weekend in the streets, your Ilonggo cops tirelessly rendered duty for you to peacefully observe Holy Week,” Palomo said.
Palomo also commended the public’s contribution to lowering the criminal rates during Holy Week.
“Your continued support and cooperation in our crime prevention efforts fuels our commitment towards a safer and more peaceful province,” he added.
During the observance of Holy Week, the IPPO deployed personnel to conduct mobile patrols and set up a police assistance desk in areas like churches, pilgrimage sites, parks, resorts, and public transportation terminals./PN
