The Police Regional Office in MIMAROPA region reported on Tuesday that the crime rate in the region has dropped by 20 percent compared to the same period last year following the three-day regionwide Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations.

The operations highlighted the intensified campaign against wanted persons, campaign against loose firearms, anti-illegal drugs and anti-illegal gambling activity.

PRO-4B chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said that based on the data from the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, they have recorded a 20.15 percent decline in the region's crime volume with 31 crime incidents recorded from 28 to 30 September compared to 39 in the same period last year.

Of the total crimes recorded, the Peace and Order Indicator recorded a significant decrease of 44.12 percent or 15 from 34 in 2022 to 19 in 2023.

He said that during the three-day SACLEO, there were 35 persons arrested which includes 26 in the campaign against wanted persons with four most wanted persons nabbed from the provincial and municipal levels.

He added that five drug personalities were apprehended during the conduct of four separate anti-illegal drug operations and the confiscation of approximately 8.68 grams of shabu and 13 grams of marijuana, with an estimated value amounting to P172,372.

In the operation against loose firearms has recorded a total of 10 confiscated, recovered, surrendered firearms while six were turned over for safekeeping as authorities.

All arrested suspects and recovered evidence were brought to the respective units/police stations for further investigation, documentation and proper disposition.