Negros Island Region Records Notable Decrease in Crime Rates for January 2026
BACOLOD. The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, has announced a substantial reduction in focus crimes during the first month of 2026. According to official data, there was an 11.84 percent decline in incidents recorded from January 1 to 31, 2026, compared to the previous month of December 2025.
Detailed Crime Statistics Show Widespread Improvements
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, provided specific figures from the Crime Information, Reporting and Analysis System. In January 2026, only 67 focus crimes were documented, which is nine fewer than the 76 incidents reported in December 2025. The categories of focus crimes include homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycles.
Further breakdown of the data reveals significant decreases across multiple crime types:
- Murder cases saw a 42.86 percent reduction
- Physical injury incidents dropped by 14.29 percent
- Rape cases decreased by 22.22 percent
- Theft incidents declined by 33.33 percent
- Carnapping of motor vehicles experienced a 100 percent drop, with no cases reported
Effective Strategies Behind the Crime Reduction
Authorities attribute this positive trend to several key law enforcement strategies implemented across the region. Heightened police visibility has played a crucial role, along with intelligence-driven operations and focused patrols in high-risk areas. Additionally, strong coordination with local government units and active engagement with community stakeholders have contributed significantly to the improved security situation.
Brigadier General Ibay emphasized that the decline in focus crimes clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of these combined approaches. "Intensified police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and close collaboration with local government units and community partners are producing positive results," he stated.
Commitment to Sustaining Progress and Enhancing Public Safety
While expressing encouragement over these gains, PRO-NIR leadership has affirmed their determination to avoid complacency. "We will continue to strengthen our law enforcement efforts to sustain this downward trend and further enhance public safety across the Negros Island Region," Ibay declared.
The regional police force remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding peace and order, and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all communities throughout the Negros Island Region. With continued support from stakeholders and the public, PRO-NIR plans to persist in implementing proactive and responsive policing strategies aimed at maintaining low crime rates and preserving public trust in law enforcement institutions.
