THE Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) headed by Brigadier General Roderick Augustus B. Alba, has topped the unit performance evaluation for November made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

The no. 1 ranking of the Central Visayas police force among all 17 PROs earned it commendation from PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., who cited the consistency displayed by the PRO 7 both operationally and administratively, leading to a 5.24% overall crime reduction in the region.

The PRO 7 also recorded the highest reduction in crime across the country as evaluated from January to December 9 this year by the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management headed by Major Gen. Eliseo DC Cruz.

PRO 7 reported 3,633 focus crimes during the period compared to the 4,006 it registered during the same period in 2021, or a significant crime reduction of 10.65%.

Alba attributed their good performance to their ability to work with partner agencies and regional stakeholders.

“The decrease in crime statistical data by 10.65 percent proves that PRO7’s crime prevention efforts and strategies are effective,” he said.

The former PNP spokesperson noted that their high “Crime Clearance Efficiency” and “Crime Solution Efficiency” are also reflective of how efficient and competent the “Bisdak Cops” of Central Visayas when it comes to keeping the peace and order situation in the region manageable.

The PRO7 recorded 37,444 total crime incidents in the region this year, which is 2,070 cases lower than the 39,514 crime incidents it posted last year.

Meanwhile, the “Peace and Order” indicator, categorized as index crimes and non-index crimes, has also been down by 9.84%, whereas index crimes, known as crimes of serious nature, decreased by 385 cases. The PRO 7 also noted 1,926 fewer non-index crimes during the period.

Out of the 21,171 cases of peace and order crimes, Alba said that 21,033 were already cleared for a 99.35% crime clearance efficiency, while crime solution efficiency was posted at 86.73%, with 18,361 cases solved already.

The official said the figures are the fruits of the relentless efforts and dedication of the men and women of the PRO 7 to serve and protect the community.

“I laud my men for their continued hard work and dedication and for making the community and the public feel safe. The efficiency and effectiveness of Team PRO 7 resemble our CPNP’s MKK=K peace and security framework and the Revitalized Kasimbayan Program and 4Cs, and we wouldn’t reach these figures without the support of our community. As public servants, your safety is our priority as we make Central Visayas a much safer place to live, work and do business,” he said.

He also assured the public that Team PNP Region 7 continues to employ innovative approaches to complement and broaden anti-criminality efforts and campaigns.

Subsequently, the regional police’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs left a remarkable result as Team PNP Region 7 registered the biggest amount of illegal drugs confiscated from January 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022 among the 17 PROs.

The 5,556 anti-illegal drug operations conducted by PRO7 agents so far this year led to the arrest of 6,767 drug personalities and the confiscation of more than P866 million worth of shabu, dried marijuana leaves, and cocaine. The seized drugs include nearly 126 kilograms of high-grade shabu and some 81.5 kilos of marijuana leaves.

Five armed drug traffickers in the region were also killed in a gunbattle with undercover officers during the period.

“The past months have seen how Team PNP Region 7 make significant strides toward the goal of increased coordination between our partner agencies and stakeholders in the community. We never expected that our Team will reach this far, leaving marvelous footprints in every accomplishment we achieve,” Alba said.