ILOILO City – Crime incidents across Western Visayas declined by 7.65 percent this year as police ramped up visibility, patrols, and intelligence operations ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, data from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed.
Comparative records covering January 1 to December 15, 2025, against the same period in 2024, showed Peace and Order Indicator cases falling to 7,560 from 8,186.
Index crimes likewise dropped sharply to 1,678 from 2,002—representing a decline of more than 16 percent.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, PRO-6 director, said the figures underscore the impact of sustained law-enforcement efforts and closer coordination with local partners.
“These reductions reflect effective police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger coordination with our local government units, force multipliers, and community partners,” Ligan said.
Despite the downward trend, Ligan stressed that the holiday season remains a critical period for security operations, with crowds expected in public spaces.
“While we are encouraged by the decline in crime incidents, the holiday season calls for heightened vigilance. We have intensified police presence in transport terminals, commercial centers, churches, and other areas of convergence to ensure the public’s safety as families celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year,” he said.
Ligan also appealed to the public to actively support law enforcement efforts.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.
He added: “We call on everyone to stay alert, follow the law, and immediately report suspicious activities so we can all enjoy a peaceful, safe, and meaningful holiday season.”
He added that PRO-6 will maintain full deployment through the year-end to protect lives, preserve public order, and secure communities across Western Visayas./PN
