ILOILO City — Reported rape cases in Western Visayas plunged by more than half while overall focus crimes dropped nearly 23 percent over the past three months, marking a substantial improvement in the region’s peace and order situation, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) data showed.
From May 22 to August 22, 2026, PRO-6 recorded 385 incidents involving the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) eight focus crimes, down by 114 cases or 22.85 percent from the 499 incidents registered during the same period in 2025.
The sharpest decline was recorded in rape cases, which fell by 55.56 percent — from 126 cases last year to 56 this year, or 70 fewer incidents.
Murder cases also decreased by 21.21 percent, from 33 to 26, while robbery declined by 18 percent, from 50 to 41.
Theft, which remained the most commonly reported among the listed crimes, dropped by 10 percent, from 150 incidents to 135.
Physical injury cases posted a more modest 4.12-percent decline, from 97 cases last year to 93 this year.
PRO-6 did not provide separate figures for homicide, motor vehicle carnapping and motorcycle carnapping, although these are also included among the eight focus crimes monitored by the PNP.
PRO-6 regional director Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño welcomed the decline but cautioned police units against easing their efforts.
“This is a good indication that our efforts are yielding results, but we must not become complacent,” Tuaño said.
He said the police would sustain their presence in communities and remain responsive to public concerns.
“We will continue to strengthen our police visibility, listen to our communities, and respond where it matters most,” he added.
PRO-6 attributed the reduction in crimes to heightened police visibility, preventive measures, data-driven enforcement and stronger partnerships with local communities.
Tuaño stressed that sustaining the downward trend would require continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.
“Peace and order is not solely the job of the police,” he added.
The May-to-August figures cover a longer period that PRO-6 said provides a broader picture of crime trends and reduces the influence of sporadic days with unusually low crime activity./PN
