Iloilo city: The perception that crime rates rise during the 'ber' months defies the trend in Western Visayas, but the region's top cop is still urging Ilonggos to always keep safety in mind as the holiday season begins. 'We would like to note that the rise in focus crimes during the 'ber' months does not apply to Region 6. Our police intensify their watch on the eight focus crimes during the 'ber' months,' Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o, director of the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO-6), said in a press conference Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, historically, the region recorded nearly 2,000 incidents in 2023 and 2,220 in 2024. However, incidents in 2025 were down by more than 60 percent. Nevertheless, he advised the public to avoid sharing their location in real-time on social media when they are not at home. 'Christmas is a time for families and communities to come together, and we want everyone to enjoy the season without unnecessary worries. A little extra caution can go a long way,' he said. He added that they will also coordinate closely with village officials to ensure the safety of their constituents.
Meanwhile, the PRO-6 marked the start of the observance of the 32nd National Crime Prevention Week, reporting a 36.96 percent drop in focus crimes last month, with 116 cases, compared with 184 incidents for the same period in 2025. The decline was driven by reductions across several focus crime categories, with rape recording the largest decrease at 69.57 percent, dropping from 46 to 14 cases. Homicide dropped by 54.55 percent, from 11 to five cases; motorcycle carnapping by 50 percent, from four to two cases; robbery by 45.16 percent, from 31 to 17 cases; physical injury by 41.67 percent, from 36 to 21 cases; and theft by 4.08 percent, from 49 to 47 cases.
'We welcome the decrease, but we see these numbers as a responsibility to keep improving. Crime prevention is not only about responding when something happens. It is also about being present, listening to our communities, and acting on concerns before they become bigger problems,' Tua±o said. The 32nd National Crime Prevention Week, taking place from Sept. 1-7, focuses on the theme 'Strengthening Civilian Oversight and Collective Action for Safer Communities.'
