BACOLOD CITY — Crime incidents across Negros Island dropped by more than 21 percent in August compared with the same month last year, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
PRO-NIR recorded 695 total crime incidents in August 2026, down from 880 cases in August 2025, or a 21.02-percent decrease equivalent to 185 fewer reported incidents.
The decline was also reflected in several key crime indicators monitored by the regional police office.
The Peace and Order Indicator decreased by 2.75 percent, from 582 cases in August 2025 to 566 cases this year, while the eight focus crimes declined by 10.53 percent.
Index crime volume likewise fell by 10.53 percent, from 95 cases to 85, while non-index crimes slightly decreased by 1.23 percent, from 487 to 481 cases.
The Public Safety Indicator posted the sharpest decline, dropping by 56.71 percent from 298 incidents in August 2025 to 129 incidents in August 2026.
PRO-NIR attributed much of the reduction in the public safety indicator to fewer vehicular incidents involving physical injury and property damage.
The regional police office said the overall decline was supported by increased police visibility, faster response to incidents, focused law enforcement operations, intelligence-led policing and closer coordination with local government units, barangay officials and community partners.
Former PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño said the figures indicate improvements in public safety but stressed that the decline should not lead to complacency.
“These figures are more than statistics. They reflect real improvements in the safety of our families and communities,” Cardiño said.
He said PRO-NIR would sustain police visibility, strengthen law enforcement operations and work closely with communities to further reduce criminality across Negros Island.
The regional police office also urged residents to remain vigilant and report crimes, suspicious activities and other emergencies through SAFE NIR Dial 911.
PRO-NIR emphasized that continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies, local governments and residents remains crucial to sustaining the downward trend in crime and maintaining peace and security across the island./PN
