Saturday, July 07, 2007 Crimes in region drop despite poll incidents
CENTRAL Visayas recorded a “huge” overall decline in the number of crime cases despite the elections and even if Bohol and Siquijor posted a slight increase in their areas.
In yesterday’s meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council, Gov. Gwen-dolyn Garcia commended the police offices in Region 7 for the 24 percent decrease in the number of crimes.
“I congratulate the PNP and our military in keeping a peaceful region, which is a pre-requisite for development. We’re on a roll here, and let’s hope this will continue so Central Visayas will have the proper atmosphere for growth,” said Garcia, chairperson of the council.
Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Carmelo Valmoria reported that from January to June this year, crime volume in the province dropped by 24 percent.
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office Director Melvin Buenafe also reported a drop of 17.48 percent in crimes in his area.
Bohol Provincial Police Office Director Edgardo Ingking, meanwhile, said there was an increase of 6.4 percent or 62 cases in Bohol compared than last year. Siquijor’s police chief also reported an increase of number of crimes in his locality, but only by six cases.
Ingking also explained that even if they have 52 more crimes this year than last, their crime rate is still below the region’s monthly crime rate.
All provinces reported that the physical injuries are crimes that have the highest number of cases. Valmoria said that for Cebu, this is because of vehicular accidents especially on weekends when drivers often drink alcoholic beverages.
PDEA
For its part, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency cited that they have problems with personnel, as the PNP’s assignment to PDEA offices has been terminated. PDEA personnel are tied up with court duties.
Also, PDEA officer-in-charge and Deputy Regional Director Jennifer Rosales called on the media’s sense of social responsibility to help in the prosecution of cases.
Rosales said that for several times now, they requested media personnel to sign even just the inventory reports of their operations, but the agency is refused.
Gov. Garcia said the Cebu Provincial Government can host a dialogue between PDEA and media personnel so PDEA’s concern may be discussed. (JPM)
