BY JEN BAYLON
CAPIZ – The number of recorded crime incidents in the entire province of Capiz witnessed a notable decrease in January of this year compared to the same month in 2023.
This was disclosed by Police Major Myla Dela Cruz, spokesperson of the Capiz Police Provincial Office, during a recent radio interview.
According to Dela Cruz, the Total Crime Index (TCI) for the first month of 2024 stood at 206, reflecting a decrease from the TCI recorded in 2023, which registered at 321.
Similarly, the Peace and Order Indicator recorded 63 incidents this year, down from 92 in January 2023.
Specifically, three cases of murder were reported, five cases of physical injuries, eight cases of theft, one case of rape, and one case of motornapping.
In pursuit of justice, law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended 21 wanted individuals, including six most wanted persons, with two arrested in Roxas City and one each in the towns of Dao, Dumalag, Ivisan, and President Roxas.
The crackdown on illegal gambling resulted in the dismantling of seven operations, leading to the seizure of P4,837 in illicitly obtained funds, along with the arrest of those involved.
Additionally, efforts against illegal possession of firearms yielded the arrest of four individuals, with five firearms confiscated.
On the front against illegal drugs, police authorities conducted eight operations, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals and the confiscation of 152.281 grams of illegal substances, leading to the filing of 21 charges.
Furthermore, law enforcement efforts targeting illegal fishing saw six operations which resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals, with illegal fishing equipment worth P2,868,000 and eight pump boats worth P49,200 seized.
Similarly, operations against illegal logging resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of timber worth P63,360.
Notably, 19 individuals voluntarily surrendered their firearms to the police, while two explosives were surrendered.
According to Dela Cruz, the comprehensive and proactive efforts of law enforcement agencies and the community have contributed to these significant achievements in maintaining peace and order across Capiz province. (With details from Brigada News FM Roxas City)/PN
