Central Luzon crime drops

Crime in Central Luzon is on the decline. Region 3 saw a 5.87 percent drop in reported cases in November, falling from 3,576 in October to 3,366 — a reduction of 210 incidents.

According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), this downward trend reflects the sustained impact of intensified law enforcement and proactive policing efforts by the PNP.

“Everything we’re doing aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda under Acting Chief PNP PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and our 3Ps: Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism,” said PRO3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr.

Even the region’s Eight Focus Crimes — Murder, Homicide, Physical Injury, Rape, Robbery, Theft, and Carnapping of vehicles and motorcycles — showed declines. Cases dropped from 1,522 in October to 1,460 in November, a 4.07 percent reduction.

The PNP’s intensified efforts also led to the quick arrest of the region’s Top 10 Most Wanted in just four days during November, with the same success repeated in the first week of December. Peñones credits the combination of actionable intelligence, close coordination among units, and community cooperation for these swift arrests.     

The anti-drug campaign is showing results, too. PRO3 conducted 724 operations last month, arresting 1,077 individuals and seizing illegal drugs valued at over P25 million, including more than 3.6 kilograms of shabu and nearly 1.4 kilograms of marijuana.