Safest region

Cordillera's crime rate hits all time low

BANGUED, Abra -The Cordillera region can now lay claim as the safest place in the country.

During the last quarter Peace and Order Council meeting in Abra, police reported the decrease in the average monthly index crime rate by 58.57 percent from 19 incidents per 100,000 population in 2016 to only eight incidents per 100,000 population, with the average monthly crime rate decreasing by 36.72 percent.

Regional Peace and Order Council and Regional Development Council chairman Mauricio Domogan said the accomplishment should serve as an inspiration to all to work with the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to continue to improve the peace and order situation because this is a priority for any individual regardless of his situation in life.

Based on the presentation made by Police Regional Office - Cordillera Plans and Operations Division head Superintendent Homer Penecilla, crime volume increased by 36.35 percent or 4,058 incidents, while the index crimes decreased by 58.48 percent or 2,062 incidents as compared to January to October last year.

Penecilla presented a 26.13 percent decrease in non-index crimes or a total of 1,996 incidents with theft and physical injuries as the leading causes of crimes followed by robbery, rape, car napping, murder, homicide, and cattle rustling.

Domogan attributed the decrease in crimes to the effective teamwork and cooperation of the people of the Cordilleras with PNP and AFP.

"It is worthy to note that the number of incidents in the region did not only decrease, but the solution of these cases had also increased," Penecilla said.

Abra Governor Jocelyn Bernos backed Domogan’s plea to work closely with the PNP and AFP to maintain the peace and order in the region.

"We are grateful for the PNP and AFP in their efforts to sustain the peace and order situation in the region due to their close coordination with the different local government units," Bernos said.

"It is for this reason why we here in Abra are starting to take off by having a different view by our countrymen of our province particularly in tourism, to remove the negative impression of Abra created in the past," the governor added.