Apayao remains generally peaceful despite the slight increase in crime incidence for the first months of the year.
The report was presented during the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council, Peace and Order Council, and Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and the Kapehan sa Kapitolyo presided by Vice Gov. Remy Albano last March 7 at the EBCJR Multipurpose Building and Evacuation Center in Luna, Apayao.
The Apayao Provincial Police Office reported there were 21 recorded crimes from January to February, higher by six compared to the same period in 2022.
Violation of special laws registered the highest with five cases, followed by rape and non-index crimes with four each. Reckless imprudence cases resulting to homicide, damage to property, and physical injury, murder and attempted or frustrated stage accounted for the rest of the recorded cases.
The municipality of Pudtol registered the highest crime rate in the last two months with five cases while Calanasan retained its record of having the lowest recorded crime with only one for the period.
Despite the increase, Apayao still holds the record for being the most peaceful province in the Cordillera along with 11 other towns for January this year as cited by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera.
Apayao Police Director Col. Jeffery Cariaga said they are implementing a range of measures designed to increase public safety and to further reduce crime incidence to sustain a peaceful province.
These measures include increased patrol in high-risk areas, enhanced community policing efforts, and more partnership with community organizations and local businesses.
Cariaga continues to encourage the community to actively partner with the police force in all its peace and order undertakings by remaining vigilant, staying informed about crime trends in their community, and by reporting to the nearest police station, without any hesitation, any possible threat to peace and order in their respective localities. – Redjie Melvic Cawis
April 25, 2024
