MindanaoToday.com | Iligan City’s crime rate decreases by 12%, successful drug busts highlighted
By: Recthie T. Paculba
ILIGAN CITY – Following the sharing of extensive reports on crime statistics and the highlighting of noteworthy accomplishments in drug enforcement operations, the City Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (CLECC) meeting recently found a 12 percent drop in Iligan City’s crime rate.
“There is a clear downtrend in the crime incidents happening as part of the in-focus crimes. This includes murder, homicide, serious injuries, kidnapping, theft, robbery, and rape. We can see that our crimes are declining,” said PLtCol. Melvin Ayan Yu, deputy city director for operations.
Over the period from March 1 to May 26, the Iligan City Police Office recorded 725 crime incidents, with 243 categorized under peace and order indicators and 462 under public safety indicators. Notably, the data showed a downward trend in crime incidents over the past few months.
Yu also highlighted that there were 57 index crimes, 41 non-index crimes, and 145 violations of special laws. The reduction in crime incidents, including serious offenses such as murder, homicide, theft, and robbery, was attributed to intensified law enforcement operations and improved crime prevention strategies. Public safety incidents, particularly road crashes, also showed a decline, indicating effective traffic management and enforcement.
Moreover, 62 successful operations led to the arrest of 75 individuals and the confiscation of significant quantities of illegal substances, highlighting the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) efforts to address illegal drugs. Additionally, campaigns against illegal firearms and gambling resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of numerous illegal weapons.
In terms of future strategies, Yu stressed the importance of sustained law enforcement operations, continued community engagement, and effective coordination with other agencies. The aim is to maintain Iligan City as a relatively peaceful and secure environment, with ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and insurgency threats. The proposal for an insurgency-free Iligan City is also underway, with a focus on dismantling any remaining terrorist influence in the area.
For its part, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted six operations, arrested 18 drug personalities, and confiscated 260.7 grams of shabu with a standard Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P1.7 million. Additionally, the PDEA’s interdiction unit conducted 102 K9 inspections and panelings at various ports and terminals in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.
The agency also presented data on the drug affectation status in Iligan City, reporting a decrease from 72.73 percent in 2020 to 61.36 percent as of February 20, 2024, with 15 barangays cleared. They emphasized a holistic approach to addressing crime and drug problems, commending the local government for organizing an emergency meeting with barangay officials to address drug issues.
“Kinahanglan gyud nato mag-coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate para ang law enforcement administration sa Iligan City will be maayo ang dagan. Kinahanglanon ang mga ing-ani, mga coordinating meeting para pud mutaas-taas ang atong rating,” said City Director Col. Reinante Delos Santos.
(We need to coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate so that the enforcement administration in the city will be better. We need to have a coordinating meeting so that we can increase the rating of our peace efforts.)
He also added that the reports underscore the ongoing efforts and successes of law enforcement agencies in combating crime and drug trafficking, reflecting their commitment to ensuring public safety and order in the city. (RTP/PIA-10)
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