Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) has reported a significant decrease in index crimes across Northern Mindanao, with a 15.11% drop recorded from January 1 to September 24, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Index crimes, which include theft, rape, physical injuries, murder, robbery, and vehicle-related crimes, decreased from 1,714 cases in 2023 to 1,455 cases in 2024. Theft remained the most prevalent index crime, with 477 cases this year, down by 12.64% from the previous year. Rape cases saw a significant drop as well, with 54 fewer incidents reported (a 14.88% decline).
Other notable reductions were in physical injuries, down by 10.40% with 26 fewer cases, and murder, which saw a drop of 11.50% with 23 fewer cases. Robbery incidents recorded the largest decrease, falling by 35.03%, with 62 fewer cases reported. Meanwhile, carnapping of motorcycles declined by 20.21%, with 19 fewer incidents. The rate of carnapping of motor vehicles and special complex crimes remained steady compared to last year.
In addition to the drop in index crimes, overall crime in the region also declined. PRO10 recorded a total of 11,185 crimes in 2024, compared to 11,412 in 2023, reflecting a 1.99% reduction in crime incidents. This translates to 227 fewer criminal incidents, underscoring the success of the police’s intensified anti-criminality efforts.
PBGEN Jaysen C. D. Guzman, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, credited the reduction in crimes to the proactive efforts of the police force and the strong cooperation of local communities. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region, in line with the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.
“In line with the vision of a safer Northern Mindanao under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ initiative, our commitment to ensuring public safety and reducing criminality remains strong. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders and other law enforcement agencies to build a safer and secure environment for all,” said Guzman.
PRO10 vowed to sustain its anti-criminality campaign through heightened police visibility, proactive operations, and enhanced collaboration with the public and other stakeholders.
