BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recorded a significant decline in the region’s eight focus crimes in calendar year 2025, reflecting strengthened police operations, intensified crime-prevention strategies, and sustained community partnerships.
Based on consolidated crime data, total focus crime incidents dropped from 1,299 in 2024 to 1,012 in 2025, a decrease of 287 cases or 22.1 percent.
Comparative crime statistics showed decreases in most focus crimes, including murder, which fell from 260 cases in 2024 to 209 in 2025; physical injury, from 201 to 123; rape, from 340 to 262; robbery, from 98 to 74; theft, from 282 to 223; and motorcycle carnapping, from 37 to 34.
Homicide cases slightly increased from 80 in 2024 to 84 in 2025, while carnapping involving motor vehicles rose from one case to three cases during the same period.
PRO-NIR said the notable reductions in several crime categories underscore the effectiveness of focused law-enforcement efforts, increased police visibility, and intelligence-driven operations implemented across the Negros Island Region.
Despite the lower crime volume, PRO-NIR maintained a strong crime solution capability in 2025. Records show that 682 cases were solved and 295 were cleared, with only 35 cases remaining unsolved.
“This significant reduction in focus crimes is a clear testament to the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of our PRO-NIR personnel,” said Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, regional director of PRO-NIR.
“Our police officers are not only enforcing the law but are actively preventing crime through visibility, intelligence, and close partnership with our communities,” Ibay added.
While acknowledging that there is still room for improvement, Ibay emphasized that PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and secure communities.
“PRO-NIR will not relent in its mission to protect every life, secure every community, and hold criminals accountable,” he said.
The police official noted that efforts to further improve case resolution remain ongoing, particularly in addressing emerging crime trends and more complex cases.
All Police Provincial Offices and City Police Offices under PRO-NIR contributed to the overall reduction through sustained anti-criminality operations, enhanced police visibility and faster response times, strengthened intelligence coordination, and active community engagement.
Looking ahead, Ibay said PRO-NIR will continue to intensify crime-prevention programs, enhance investigation and case build-up, strengthen inter-agency and community collaboration, and sustain gains in maintaining peace and order.
“Our direction is firm and uncompromising: proactive policing, swift justice, and zero tolerance for criminality. We owe this to the people of the Negros Island Region, and we will continue to deliver a police service that is visible, responsive, and worthy of public trust,” he said.
PRO-NIR also called on the public to remain vigilant and to continue supporting law-enforcement efforts toward a safer and more secure Negros Island Region./PN
