The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported a 9.71 percent decline in the crime rate across the region for the first quarter of 2025, attributing the drop to intensified police visibility, enhanced law enforcement, and proactive community engagement.
From January to March 2025, PRO-5 recorded 5,020 crime incidents, down by 540 from the 5,560 cases reported in the same period last year.
“This decline is the result of enhanced police visibility, intensified law enforcement efforts, and proactive community engagement,” said PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon in a statement on Tuesday.
Of the total, 508 were index crimes — considered serious and frequent offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery — reflecting a significant 21.36 percent drop from 646 cases last year. The breakdown includes 39 cases of murder, nine homicides, 65 physical injuries, 111 rapes, 63 robberies, 195 thefts, one carnapping of a motor vehicle, and 25 motorcycle carnappings.
Non-index crimes, which include violations of special laws such as drug and election offenses, were also down. Four special complex crime incidents were reported during the period.
Dizon highlighted the importance of clearing cases, noting that 4,632 of the total cases — or 92.27 percent — were resolved. “This high percentage of crime clearance reflects the PNP’s strengthened investigative capabilities and swift action in bringing perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Traffic-related incidents slightly declined as well, with 3,118 cases recorded this year compared to 3,120 in 2024. These included 78 cases of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, 1,033 in physical injury, and 2,007 in property damage. Thirteen other quasi-offense cases were also reported, down from 17 last year.
Dizon emphasized that the regional police will intensify efforts in anticipation of the upcoming elections. “Our goal is to sustain these gains and further enhance security measures, especially with the upcoming elections,” he said.
He added that the PNP Bicol would implement stronger crime prevention strategies such as more patrols, enhanced intelligence-gathering, and better coordination with local government units and community organizations. The use of technology, such as surveillance and crime mapping systems, will also play a key role.
As part of ongoing anti-crime efforts, personnel from the Pili Municipal Police Station in Camarines Sur apprehended the region’s No. 7 Most Wanted Person on Monday. Identified only by the alias “Pete,” the 23-year-old suspect was arrested in Pili based on a warrant for three counts of rape. The court did not recommend bail, and the suspect is currently in police custody.
The PNP Bicol encouraged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and participating in community-based crime prevention programs. It also assured continued vigilance to ensure peace and security in the region, especially during the election season.
“With the upcoming election season, law enforcement will be on high alert to prevent election-related violence and maintain order,” Dizon said. “Security is a shared responsibility. By working together, authorities and citizens can build a community that is not only safe but also resilient against crime and disorder.”