The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a significant decline in crime incidents since the adoption of the Chief PNP’s 5-minute response time policy, attributing the improvement to faster and more visible police action across the island.
PRO-NIR records showed that from June 2 to July 31 this year, crime incidents decreased by about eight percent or 146 cases compared to the same period in 2024, dropping from 1,834 to 1,688.
The average monthly crime rate also went down by 1.47 percent, from 18.51 to 17.04, records said.
PRO NIR Regional Director BGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said the results highlight the impact of the 5-minute response system.
“We have seen measurable and positive changes in our crime environment. A fast, visible, and strategic response is working to deter crime, disrupt offenders, and resolve incidents quickly,” he said.
Under the Peace and Order Indicator, index crimes were reduced by 13 cases, while non-index crimes fell sharply by 162 cases.
Focus crimes including murder, rape, robbery, and physical injuries, also recorded a drop of 12 incidents.
Overall, the region’s crime clearance efficiency reached 95.14 percent, while crime solution efficiency was at 85.3 percent during the two-month period.
Ibay also explained that while the Public Safety Indicator showed an increase of 26 cases, mostly vehicular accidents, the rise is due to greater reporting through 911.
“This does not mean our roads have become more dangerous. What it tells us is that more people are now reporting accidents, knowing that police can arrive within minutes,” he said, adding “These numbers reflect better accessibility, faster service, and more accurate incident capture.”
PRO-NIR vowed to refine patrol staging using crime heat maps, strengthen road safety enforcement, and improve inter-agency coordination to sustain the gains of the 5-minute response policy.
“The 5-minute response time is more than a target, it is our commitment to protect lives, maintain peace, and build stronger public trust in our capability to serve,” Ibay stressed.*