Davao Occidental Police Report Major Crime Reduction in 2025
The Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office (DOcPPO) has announced a significant decrease in the province's eight focus crimes for the year 2025. According to official data, there was a 38.38 percent reduction in reported incidents compared to the previous year, marking a notable improvement in public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
Detailed Crime Statistics Show Widespread Declines
Police Colonel Sherwin M. Butil, the Provincial Director of DOcPPO, provided specific figures highlighting the positive trend. The total number of focus crime cases dropped from 99 in 2024 to 61 in 2025. This decline was observed across multiple categories, with some areas showing particularly sharp reductions:
- Homicide cases decreased from six to five.
- Rape incidents fell dramatically from 36 to 18.
- Robbery cases were reduced from seven to three.
- Physical injury incidents dropped from 20 to 12.
- Theft cases were halved, going from 14 to seven.
- Motorcycle theft improved slightly, from three to two cases.
- No motor vehicle thefts were reported in either 2024 or 2025.
However, the data also revealed a minor increase in murder cases, which rose from 13 in 2024 to 14 in 2025, indicating an area for continued focus and improvement.
Factors Behind the Crime Reduction
Colonel Butil attributed the overall decline to a combination of strategic efforts by law enforcement and community involvement. Key factors include:
- Sustained law enforcement operations that targeted criminal activities proactively.
- Increased police visibility across the province, deterring potential offenders.
- Strong cooperation from local communities and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to crime prevention.
The DOcPPO emphasized that this success reflects the impact of intelligence-driven policing, intensified enforcement efforts, and sustained coordination with local government units and community partners. These measures have collectively contributed to a safer environment for residents.
Commitment to Ongoing Peace and Order
Reaffirming the DOcPPO's dedication, Colonel Butil stated their commitment to maintaining peace and order through proactive policing and close collaboration with partner agencies. He encouraged the public to continue supporting police programs and to promptly report any criminal activities, underscoring that maintaining peace and security is a shared responsibility. This call to action highlights the importance of community engagement in sustaining the positive trends observed in 2025.
