The increase in crimes in Negros Occidental in 2022 can be attributed to the after effects of COVID-19 where people are now free to roam around, the police reported on Monday, December 19.
The total crime incidents in Negros Occidental increased from 3,570 in 2021 to 4,132 this year of by 15.74 percent, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office reported.
Robbery cases were 91 this year or an increase by 97.38 percent and theft cases were 172 or a hike by 72 percent.
But there was also a drop in rape cases from 193 to 157 or by 18.65 percent.
The average monthly crime rate was 15.74 percent higher compared to last year, the police also reported during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council fourth quarter joint meeting at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
The police, Army and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency presented their accomplishment reports for 2002 during the joint meeting.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on the whole he was very happy and satisfied with the police and army accomplishments in the province this year.*