Police authorities in Western Visayas have reported significant progress in their anti-crime campaign, citing a sharp decline in index crimes, the arrest of eight of the region's most wanted individuals, and the recovery of over 200 firearms in recent operations. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) attributed these achievements to intensified intelligence-driven operations, enhanced police visibility, and increased community cooperation.
Arrest of Most Wanted Persons
From June 1 to 5, eight regional most wanted persons were apprehended in separate operations across Western Visayas. The captured fugitives included the region's No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, and No. 10 most wanted persons, all arrested through coordinated law enforcement efforts. The PNP stated that the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence validation, surveillance activities, and close coordination among operating units in the region.
PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the personnel involved, emphasizing that the accomplishment demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing. He stated, "This kind of success is the result of continuous intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our police officers to their duty. We will continue to strengthen our presence on the ground to ensure that those with pending warrants are held accountable." Nartatez added that the arrests support the PNP's Enhanced Managing Police Operations (Empo) strategy, which aims to improve law enforcement efficiency and public safety.
Reduction in Crime Incidents
Data covering May 29 to June 4 showed a significant reduction in crime incidents across Western Visayas. Acting Director of Western Visayas Police, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, reported that index crimes dropped to 25 cases from 39 cases recorded during the same period last year, representing a 35.90% decrease. Notable declines were observed in several focus crimes: theft incidents fell from 17 to four cases, a 76.47% reduction; rape cases decreased from nine to five, or 44.44%; and motorcycle carnapping cases dropped to zero from two incidents last year.
Tuaño described the figures as encouraging progress in the region's peace and order campaign. He stated, "In just two weeks, we are already seeing positive developments in our crime environment across Western Visayas. These improvements reflect not only the hard work of our personnel on the ground but also the strong support, trust, and cooperation of our communities." He noted that intensified police operations and enhanced visibility have contributed to the decline in criminal activities.
Firearms Recovery and Seizure
Complementing the anti-crime drive, PRO 6 reported the recovery of 216 firearms through confiscation, surrender, and other law enforcement actions between May 22 and June 4. The campaign also led to the arrest of 18 individuals for violations of firearms laws, while ten firearm owners voluntarily surrendered their weapons for safekeeping. Tuaño emphasized that removing loose firearms from communities helps prevent violence and criminal activity. He said, "When we take loose firearms out of our communities, we also reduce the chances that these will be used in violence, crime, or any incident that could endanger the lives and safety of our people. That is the true value of this campaign."
The regional police chief stressed that the campaign extends beyond law enforcement, focusing on protecting lives and improving community safety. He added, "The safety of our people is at the core of our operations. Every firearm confiscated or voluntarily surrendered is a potential tragedy prevented."
Interconnected Results
Police officials noted that the arrest of high-value fugitives, the reduction in crime incidents, and the recovery of loose firearms are interconnected results of PRO 6's intensified law enforcement strategy. Authorities pointed out that capturing wanted persons removes suspected offenders from communities, while seizing firearms helps prevent crimes and violence, contributing to the overall decline in criminal incidents across the region. The accomplishments also underscore the role of community cooperation, with residents providing information to authorities and participating in voluntary firearm surrender programs.
