PRO3 FOCUS CRIME RATE ACROSS CENTRAL LUZON DECLINES IN JUNE

BY KEVIN GALANG 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) reported a significant decline in focus crimes across Central Luzon in June while intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs, wanted persons, and loose firearms.

Based on PRO3 records, incidents involving the region’s eight focus crimes dropped by 24.84 percent from 310 cases in June 2025 to 233 cases in the same month this year.

The PRO3 attributed the reduction to intelligence-driven operations, increased police visibility, and stronger coordination with local government units, partner agencies, and local communities.

The region’s anti-criminality campaign also led to the arrest of 1,032 wanted persons, including 210 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and 822 Other Wanted Persons (OWPs), as authorities continued efforts to track down fugitives.

In its intensified anti-illegal drugs operations, PRO3 conducted 800 operations that resulted in the arrest of 1,105 drug personalities and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at approximately P69.94 million.

Among the confiscated illegal substances were shabu, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and kush (marijuana), dealing what police described as another major setback to the illegal drug trade in Central Luzon.

The Central Luzon police also intensified the campaign against loose firearms, recovering 700 firearms through confiscation, surrender, deposit, and capture. 

The operations resulted in the arrest of 127 individuals and the filing of 124 cases for violations of Republic Act 10591.

Meanwhile, under the Safer Cities Program, PRO3  strengthened the enforcement of local ordinances, leading to 281,010 apprehensions throughout the region and the collection of more than P26.23 million in fines.

Police said the program aims to improve public discipline, enhance community safety, and help maintain peace and order in Central Luzon.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez credited the accomplishments to the dedication of police personnel and the continued support of local government units, partner agencies, and the public.

“These accomplishments reflect the dedication of every police officer in Central Luzon and the strong partnership we have built with our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” Mendez said.

The official added that the gains were driven by disciplined police work, intelligence-led operations, and active community cooperation, in line with the focused agenda of Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..

Mendez urged residents to remain vigilant by reporting criminal activities and supporting community-based crime prevention efforts, emphasizing that lasting peace and public safety can best be achieved through sustained cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect.