Lapu-Lapu crimes down by 30% in 2023

Crime rate in Lapu-Lapu City has decreased by 30.52 percent in 2023 compared to the data in the previous year, establishing the city as one of the most peaceful in the region.

The annual accomplishment report was presented by the LapuLapu City Police Office led by Police Colonel Elmer Lim during the City Peace and Order Council meeting held recently. The report highlighted the reduction of crimes from 2,851 cases in 2022 to 1,981 in 2023.

This achievement, amounting to an 870-incident decrease, is attributed to the collaborative efforts and support from the local government unit under the leadership of Mayor Junard Chan, and various stakeholders.

During the meeting, Chan expressed gratitude to the police force, emphasizing the crucial role of technology, like closed-circuit television (CCTV) in solving crimes.

“One of the major breakthroughs in solving the killing of market official Christopher Ceniza is the CCTV camera,” the mayor said in the meeting.

The CPOC meeting also saw the passage of a resolution requiring business establishments and encouraging residences to install CCTV cameras in their respective areas, the city Public Information Office said in their Facebook post.

This initiative, proposed by CLOSAP executive director Garry Lao, aims to enhance security and aid law enforcement efforts.

Chan further endorsed the resolution and formally requested City Councilor Janvi De la Serna, chairman of the City Council Committee on Police, to endorse the CPOC resolution to the City Council for approval.

Additionally, Chan disclosed that 1,025 City Jail inmates were released as they availed themselves of the plea-bargaining provision of the law.

He highlighted the need for a dialogue with judges, along with the involvement of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the city government, to ensure a thorough understanding of the current situation in the city.

“Ang kadtong alleged gunman ug ang iya get-away driver sa pagpusil patay ni Christopher Ceniza, bag-o lang nakalaya sa City Jail ug nibalik na sab sa ilang karaang binuhatan,” the mayor told the CPOC members.

He urged CPOC members to engage in dialogue with judges for more effective implementation of plea-bargaining agreements.

The mayor further emphasized efforts like this as they give the highest importance to maintaining order and clarity in the city. -