POLICE Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. yesterday reported a significant decrease in index crime incidents in the region over the past 138 days.
According to the Central Luzon top cop, index crime volume for murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping motorcycle and carnapping vehicle in the region dropped to 16.71% or from 1,466 cases in February 22 to July 10, 2022 to only 1,221 for the same period this year.
Hidalgo said that a total of 2, 248 drug operations were conducted that resulted in the arrest of 3,234 drug suspects and the seizure of a total of 9,051.02 grams of shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P60,451,566.84 and 16,988.53 grams of marijuana with approximate value of P2,033,547.18.
Intensified operations against loose firearms and illegal gambling were also conducted which led to the confiscation and recovery of 508 assorted firearms while 2,929 individuals were arrested for illegal gambling, along with the confiscation of P1,849,743.00 cash bets.
Meanwhile, as PRO3 goes hammer and tongs in the campaign against wanted persons, 462 notorious individuals tagged as most wanted persons and 2,883 other wanted persons were arrested.
“These accomplishments are clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to upholding the law and fulfilling our duty to maintain peace and order in Central Luzon. We continue to solicit the support of the public in keeping our communities safe,” said Hidalgo.
The official added that consistent implementation of various strategies such as intelligence-driven operations, intensified police visibility and community-based programs such as the Interactive Engagement Policing (IEP) are being carried out by the Central Luzon police to attain its goal of a safer region.
