CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – "Focus crimes" in Northern Mindanao decreased 31.22 percent in the second quarter of this year, according to data revealed by the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10), as barangays were declared drug-free.
In a statement on Thursday, the PRO-10’s Special Action Committee on Anti-Criminality disclosed that this year's focus crime rate decreased from 615 incidents in April to June 2023 to 423 incidents in the same period in 2024, a decrease of 192 incidents.
Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, and carnapping.
PRO-10 director, Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., said the accomplishment is attributed to the police force's concerted efforts, community engagement, and strategic initiatives aimed at crime prevention and control.
“The significant reduction in focus crimes is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our police officers in the region," he said.
Meanwhile, the Region 10 Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing declared 17 more barangays in the area as drug-cleared.
The recent addition has resulted in 1,537 barangays being cleared of illegal drugs, or 82.37 percent of the 1,866 drug-affected barangays in the region.
At least 329 barangays in the region remain affected by the illegal drug trade. (PNA)
