THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) reports an 8.8 percent decrease in total crime across Iloilo province during the first half of 2025.
This shows improved peace and order from January 1 to June 30 compared to the same period in 2024.
The IPPO's data shows total crime volume dropped from 4,070 cases in 2024 to 3,712 in 2025. The Peace and Order Indicator, which includes both index and non-index crimes, saw the most significant improvement, falling 23 percent from 1,714 to 1,323 incidents.
Index crimes, including homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, kidnapping, carnapping/motor-napping, and murder, decreased by 34 percent, from 402 incidents in 2024 to 286 in 2025.
Non-index crimes also declined by 21 percent, from 1,312 to 1,037 cases.
However, the Public Safety Indicator, mainly traffic-related incidents, rose slightly by 1.4 percent, with 2,389 incidents recorded in 2025 compared to 2,356 in 2024.
Police Colonel Roland Bulalacao, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) and concurrent Officer-in-Charge of the IPPO, attributed the decline to the hard work of police personnel and the cooperation of local communities.
"The dedication and proactive efforts of our police personnel, along with the invaluable cooperation of the Ilonggo community, have played a significant role in achieving this positive outcome," Bulalacao said. He expressed gratitude for the community's support and trust, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum to improve safety and security.
The IPPO’s intensified operational and community-based strategies align with the Philippine National Police's policy and the priorities set by Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, acting regional director of PRO 6.
Beyond crime reduction, the IPPO has stepped up efforts to ensure school safety in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) in Iloilo. They expanded patrol operations and community engagement in schools.
Beat and mobile patrol units are deployed during peak hours, particularly student arrival and dismissal, to increase police presence and allow for quick incident response in and around school premises.
Police stations also conduct Monday morning lectures during flag ceremonies, covering topics like anti-bullying, personal safety, crime prevention, illegal drugs, and the prohibition of deadly weapons.
"These activities underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of learners and teachers here in Iloilo province, alongside our school authorities," Bulalacao said. He urged parents to supervise and monitor their children's activities.
These school-focused initiatives are part of the IPPO's comprehensive campaign to foster strong collaboration between police, local government units, school administrators, and community stakeholders. The IPPO emphasizes its mission to make every learning institution a zone of peace, protection, and positive development, viewing schools as children's second homes. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)