Crimes in Central Visayas drop

CEBU, Philippines —  Crime incidents in Central Visayas dropped 16.41% from September 29 to November 28, 2021 when compared to the same period last year, police said.

According to the Police Regional Office-7, a total of 1,283 crime incidents were reported in the region over the mentioned period or lower by about 240 crimes.

In a statement, police attributed the decrease to the “collaborative efforts of all police units and offices of PRO-7.”

In the aspect of peace and order, police reported a total of 1,343 cases, which means there was an overall drop of 26.26 percent.

In the same period, PRO-7 was able to conduct 1,242 buy-bust operations in its anti-illegal drug campaign.

During these operations, a total of 1,242 suspects involved in illegal drug trade and use were arrested while at least 19,220 grams or nearly 20 kilos of suspected shabu were seized from them.

The confiscated shabu had an estimated value of over P130 million.

The operations also resulted in the seizure of nearly 90 kilos of marijuana plants with estimated value of P10 million.

In the fight against illegal gambling, PRO-7 was able to arrest 2,483 persons in 931 operations that resulted in the seizure of P258,431 cash.

During those two months, a total of 1,135 loose firearms were surrendered to or recovered by the police in 161 operations.

Police Brigadier General Roque Eduardo Vega, PRO-7 director, said that the declining number of crime incidents was a result of “aggressive enhanced managing police operations.”

“Your BisdaK cops will continue to intensify our flagship programs in the region. Aligned with the CPNP's (Chief PNP) mandate, it is expected that commanders down to station commanders predict and plan amid the new normal and forthcoming yuletide season,” he said.

“I urge the city and provincial directors to enforce the new Alert Level System designed by DOH to help prevent the further transmission of the deadly virus during festivities. Also, maximum police visibility on business establishments and quarantine controlled points should be strictly observed in coordination with local LGUs as an integral part of the PNP border security measures, and safeguard the public from lawless criminals,” he added.

Traffic violators down, too

Meanwhile, the number of citation tickets issued by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) decreased to 9,870 in November from 11,073 in October.

CCTO urged the violators to settle their obligations in its office on the second floor of the Ramos Public Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Disregarding traffic sign has been the most common violation committed by motorists plying the city roads.

There were also motorists caught driving with expired registration, no driver’s license, defective headlights, signal lights, no delivery permits, among others.

Aside from the surprise operations, CTTO also hatched operations based on complaints received from the public.

CCTO personnel have been going after illegally parked vehicles to decongest roads. Owners of towed and clamped vehicles because of illegal parking violations are slapped with P1,500 fine.

The traffic office also advised the public to ensure they have parking space before buying vehicles. Vehicle owners ought to park their cars in designated areas and not leave them on the streets, it said. — Sanden J. Anadia, JMD (FREEMAN)