CENTRAL LUZON - The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) announced on Sunday a 5.9 percent decrease in crime rates across Central Luzon, spanning a one-year period. Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Director of PRO3, highlighted the significant reduction in criminal incidents, with 37,754 crimes reported from February 22, 2023, to February 21, 2024. This figure represents a decline of 2,360 incidents compared to the 40,114 crimes documented in the previous year from February 2022 to February 2023.
According to Philippines News Agency, the period also saw extensive law enforcement activities resulting in substantial drug seizures and arrests. Authorities confiscated PHP154,037,486.27 worth of illegal drugs, arresting 8,319 suspects across 5,861 operations. Additionally, the regional police force successfully apprehended 1,310 individuals listed as most wanted persons.
The crackdown on illegal gambling activities led to the arrest of 6,233 suspects, the confiscation of PHP3,792,926 in bet money, and the initiation of 1,722 court cases. Efforts to enforce firearm regulations resulted in the confiscation of 1,296 loose firearms, the arrest of 662 suspects, and the filing of 606 cases for violations of firearms and ammunition laws.
These law enforcement achievements underscore PRO3's commitment to maintaining peace and order in Central Luzon, contributing to the overall decrease in the region's crime rate.