ILOILO City — Western Visayas posted a strong start to 2026 on the public safety front. Police recorded a sharp 38.37 percent drop in focus crimes in January, underscoring intensified policing and closer coordination with communities across the region.
Data released by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that incidents involving the region’s 10 focus crimes fell from 171 cases in January 2025 to 106 in January 2026, or 65 fewer incidents year-on-year.
The focus crimes monitored by PRO-6 included murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, carnapping of motorcycles, cybercrime, and kidnapping.
The sustained decline, police said, reflects improved law enforcement performance and stronger public safety measures at the opening of the year.
“The decline continues the region’s downward crime trend, reflecting more effective law enforcement and stronger public safety at the start of the year,” said Police Major Lailyn Sencil, chief of the PRO-6’s Regional Public Information Office.
Regional Director Josefino Ligan attributed the reduction to heightened police visibility, intensified anti-criminality operations, and stronger collaboration with local government units and community stakeholders.
“This significant decrease reflects the dedication of our police personnel and the strong support of our communities. We remain focused on sustaining these gains and further improving police service delivery,” Ligan said.
He added that PRO-6 continues to pursue intelligence-driven and community-centered policing strategies, while ensuring discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights among police personnel.
PRO-6 assured the public that crime prevention and law enforcement efforts will be further intensified to maintain peace and order and ensure safer communities across Western Visayas./PN
