Lamitan City Tops Crime Incidents; Police Cite Resource Challenges
Basilan – Governor Mujiv Hataman on Monday morning convened a high-level security meeting with top military and police officials to address rising security concerns and discuss crime trends across the province.
During the meeting, Basilan Police Provincial Director Col. Cerrazid Umabong presented crime statistics covering the period from January to June. According to the data, Lamitan City recorded the highest number of incidents with 19 cases, followed by Maluso with six. No crimes were reported in the municipalities of Lantawan, Tuburan, and Hadji Mutammad.
Index crimes in the province rose from 15 in the first quarter to 25 in the second quarter. However, non-index crimes saw a decline, dropping from 55 in the first quarter to 42 in the second quarter. Overall, total crime incidents in Basilan slightly decreased from 72 in the first quarter to 68 in the second quarter.
Despite the decrease, Col. Umabong noted that family-related disputes, often involving threats, remain a persistent security concern. He also raised several operational challenges faced by the police force, including shortages in personnel, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and the lack of reliable radio communication. The province currently relies on a radio repeater based in Zamboanga City, which limits police coordination in remote areas.
In response, Governor Hataman assured the provincial government’s commitment to addressing these logistical and operational issues. He emphasized the importance of equipping local law enforcement to ensure that peace and order are maintained throughout Basilan.
“We will find ways to resolve these problems,” Gov. Hataman said, reaffirming his administration’s support for strengthening the province’s security capabilities.