By Shiela Mae Butlig
Correspondent
THE Provincial Police Office (PPO) of Misamis Oriental has recorded a 20.24% decrease in crime rate this year compared to last year.
Last year, the PPO has listed over 2,406 crime incidents for the period of January to October. In its report, released yesterday, the same period of 2021 they only have a total of 1,919 crime incidents which has a significant decrease of 487 or 20.24% decrease compared to last year.
Meanwhile, in its campaign against illegal drugs, they have recorded 207 Anti-illegal drugs operations that resulted in the arrest of 239 drug personalities where it confiscated 311.10 grams of shabu and 351.413 grams of marijuana with an estimated street value of P2,603,861.16.
On its illegal gambling operation, it conducted over 109 operations, arrested over 340 individuals, and have confiscated 175,688.75 bet money.
Their campaign against loose firearms, this year, resulted in 328 operations where they have confiscated 86 assorted firearms, 246 of these were turned over for safe-keeping, and 86 individuals were arrested.
Yesterday, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar visited the headquarters of the Provincial Police Office in San Martin, Villanueva.
Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano turned over, through Eleazar, to Provincial Director Police Col. Reniel Valones the 10 KTM 200cc Duke NG motorcycles.
They also broke ground the completion of the 2nd phase of PPO’s covered court and together with Eleazar and Emano also broke ground the Provincial Director’s Quarter inside the area of the PPO compound in San Martin.
Emano believes that the motorcycles can hopefully be able to equip the police in apprehending traffic violators and other criminal elements in the province.
“A lot of motorcycles are running on the highways already and sometimes patrol cars are having a hard time following or apprehending those (violators) who are riding motorcycles,” Emano said.
Meanwhile, Eleazar lauded the capitol and all the stakeholders who gave their support to the uniformed men of Misamis Oriental.
With this public support, he said, they are also expected to render good service as a return for this support.
“Small problems must be addressed immediately to prevent these problem at its worst. Sa maliit na bagay nagsisimula ang lahat,” Eleazar reminded the provincial police personnel.
Eleazar’s visit to the provincial headquarters is his last leg in his tour of Northern Mindanao. Regional Director Police Brigadier Gen. Rolando Anduyan escorted the Eleazar back to Camp Crame yesterday afternoon.