Cops record drop in crimes

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) reported a notable drop in crime incidents across the city, marking a 28.70% reduction from January up to August 26, 2025.

Based on the crime report, index crime cases dropped from 554 cases from January 1 to August 26, 2024, down to 395 cases in the same period this year.

Police Lieutenant Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of CCPO, confirmed that the city police recorded a decrease of 159 in the number of incidents in the city.

The abovementioned figures are based on the eight focus crimes: murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery theft, carnapping, and motornapping.

Meanwhile, CCPO acting director Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa attributed the decline in criminal activities to the intensified police operations and enhanced police visibility in Cebu City.

Since his appointment as the city director early in January this year, Figueroa said that the significant development reflects the result of CCPO’s initiatives, which were in line with the directives of Police Regional Office-7 to reduce criminalities, particularly the unceasing shooting incidents in the city.

Figueroa also recognized the collaborative efforts of both the national and local government which helped them in resolving and identifying suspects of the said crime activities.

He further said CCPO apprehended 14 gun-for-hire group and at least 50 individuals with loose firearms in the same period covered.

He also mentioned that CCPO also increased their police visibility through their Oplan Bulabog operations, wherein police personnel were deployed in target areas identified as hotspots for violations of local ordinances and potential crimes.

Figueroa added that by enforcing the said program, police strictly implemented city ordinances and enforced manhunt operations of wanted persons, who he said were plotting crimes at nighttime.

However, Figueroa also admitted that the lack of manpower posed a challenge among the police force, considering the broad coverage of Cebu City.

“Talagang napaka-challenging syempre, Cebu City is Cebu City. Unang una yung resources, yung ating personnel, lahat ‘yan ay kino-consider natin dahil talagang kulang na kulang tayo,” he said.

Nevertheless, Figueroa still acknowledged the contributions of the force multipliers deployed throughout the city to help maintain the peace and order of the community, particularly in the barangay-level.

National award

Last month, Figueroa was also awarded as the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations during the 124th Police Service Anniversary held at the PNP Grandstand in Camp Crame in Quezon City last August 12.

He personally received the recognition from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who graced the event.

Sought for his reaction with the said achievement, Figueroa thanked PRO-7 and the local government of Cebu City for their support in the campaign to narrow down crime in the city.

“’Yun ang ating nakamit na award dito sa national level dahil ‘yun nga ating campaign against criminality dito sa Cebu City ay naging successful. Siyempre, hindi naman magiging successful ‘yan kung hindi sa suporta ng ating PNP personnel at ating officers dito sa CCPO,” he shared.

“Sila ang may malaking part pagdating sa implementation ng ating mga best practices, ng ating anti-crime efforts sa tulong ng ating mga barangay,” he added, commending the relentless efforts of the police force and the community. — /BRP (FREEMAN)