STEPPED-UP police visibility and anti-criminality operations by the Cordillera Police Regional Office is producing significant results, with all major crimes down in the region since the start of the year, the regional police director said on Saturday.

According to Brigadier General David K. Peredo Jr., they have recorded a major reduction in all major crimes in the entire region, specifically cases of murder, homicide, rape, physical injuries, robbery, theft, and motor vehicle and motorcycle theft from January to date.

He told Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., that the major crime reduction in the region was the result of the “much-improved” police visibility in all crime-prone areas as well as their “pro-active” anti-criminality campaign wherein they have partnered with the church and the community to help address and suppress crime.

Peredo said that last April 9 to 15 alone, a total of 57 municipalities in the different provinces of the region and two police stations in Baguio City recorded “zero crime incidents” during the period.

The official said that the “zero crime rate” was recorded in 24 Abra municipalities; five municipalities in Apayao; eight municipalities in Benguet; four municipalities in Kalinga; ten municipalities in Mountain Province; and six municipalities in Ifugao.

He added that the Naguilian Police Station and Aurora Hill Police Station in Baguio City likewise recorded “zero crime” during the period.

Peredo said he has ordered a “massive campaign” against wanted persons in the region to prevent them from committing more crimes and ensure the safety of the public.

Last week, he said that 18 wanted men in the region were hauled to jail by the local police, with the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) accounting for eight, followed by the Baguio City Police Office with six.

The Abra PPO arrested two, while the Ifugao and Mountain Province PPOs each apprehended one wanted person.

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Alfred P. Dalizon