CL TOP COP MARKS 1ST YEAR WITH 5.9% DROP IN CRIMES

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. marked his first year as Central Luzon’s top cop last February 22 with a decrease of 5.9% in the region’s crime incidents.

According to Hidalgo, through PRO3’s intensified crime prevention efforts and increased police presence, the region has noted a remarkable decrease of 2,360 crime incidents or 5.9% from 40,114 in Feb. 22, 2022 to Feb. 21, 2023 to 37,754 in Feb. 22, 2023 to Feb. 21, 2024.

He said a total of 1,310 most wanted persons were arrested,  along with  7,341 other wanted persons.

On its campaign against illegal drugs, at least 5,861 police operations were conducted resulting in the arrest of 8,319 drug suspects, the confiscation of 21,301.85 grams of shabu, 63,503.94 grams of marijuana, and 25 tablets of ecstasy netting a total of P154,037,486.27 worth of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, the campaign against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 6,233 individuals,  the confiscation of P3,792,926 bet money, and the filing of 1,722 criminal cases in court. 

Relentless efforts to account for loose firearms led to the confiscation of 1,296 assorted firearms and  the arrest of 662 persons.

“Oplan Katok” efforts also resulted in the surrender and the deposit of 2,200 various firearms while some 606 cases were filed in court for violation of Republic Act  10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

PRO3’s intensified Internal Security Operations (ISO) has accounted for a total of 913 members and supporters of threat groups (227 surrendered,11 arrested and 675 withdrew support), with the confiscation and recovery of 264 assorted guns and 255 explosives.

Hidalgo expressed his gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the PRO3 for their unwavering commitment to public service and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining peace and order in Central Luzon.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of every resident in the region,” the CL top cop said.