LUNA, Apayao – With only 20 reported crime incidents from June 22 to September 13, the province logged the lowest number of cases in the Cordillera region for the third quarter of 2024 according to the Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-COR).
This accomplishment solidifies Apayao’s position as the safest province in the entire Cordillera region following its recognition as such in the recent years.
Presented during the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting on September 20 in Baguio City, PRO-COR’s report highlighted substantial progress in the region’s overall peace and order situation with a region-wide decrease in crime incidents.
Crime incidents in CAR plunged to 811 during the reporting period, an 8.36% decrease compared to 885 incidents recorded in the same period last year.
Index crimes or serious offenses such as murder, theft, and robbery saw a notable decrease of 26.29%, with documented cases down from 187 to 129. Non-index crimes decreased from 330 to 250 incidents.
Baguio City had the greatest number of crime incidents (407), followed by Benguet (131), Abra (92), Kalinga (86), Ifugao (49), and Mountain Province (26).
Presided over by PRO-COR Regional Director David Peredo, Jr., the meeting brought together regional leaders including Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Director Araceli San Jose and Philippine Army 501st Brigade Commander BGen. Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz. This meeting centered on the region’s anti-illegal drug operations and regional security situation, which have been instrumental in curbing crime in the Cordillera.
The continuous decline in crime rate in the region particularly in Apayao is the result of successful partnership between the law enforcement agencies, the local government units, and the involvement of the community in maintaining peace and order.
Apayao’s sustained low crime rate is also reflective of its hands-on policing strategies and close cooperation with various stakeholders. By Jess Christley Marquez