Ilocos Region Sees 23% Drop in Criminal Cases in First Half of 2024

ILOCOS REGION – The Police Regional Office-Ilocos Region (PRO-1) reported a significant decrease in criminal activities, with total incidents down by 23.57% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-1 director, the region recorded 3,589 crimes from January to June this year, a decline from 4,696 incidents during the same timeframe in 2023. The details were presented during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency-Ilocos. Notably, index crimes—which include severe offenses like murder, rape, and robbery—dropped from 612 cases last year to 408 cases in the current year.

Despite the overall reduction, certain crimes such as murder saw a slight increase, from 65 to 69 cases. However, substantial declines were noted in other areas: physical injury cases dropped from 91 to 60, rape from 212 to 92, and theft from 145 to 105. Homicide cases remained stable at 16 instances. Non-index crimes also decreased, with violations of special laws and local ordinances falling significantly.

Evangelista attributed the reduction in crime to intensified police operations, including checkpoints, drug enforcement, and intelligence-driven activities. He also outlined the regional office’s strategic agenda, known as SECURED, which focuses on crime prevention, community engagement, and enhancing public safety through digital transformation and robust law enforcement tactics.

Further, Evangelista announced plans to revitalize the “Pulis sa Barangay” program, which places police officers directly in communities to address local security and peace and order concerns directly.