Crime in Davao Sur down by 48 percent in 2019

DIGOS CITY –– The Davao del Sur police on Tuesday noted a 48 percent drop in the province’s crime incidence compared to the previous year, which top officials in the province attributed to the continuing fight against illegal drugs and other anti-criminality measures.

Police recorded 1,487 crimes in the province for 2019, almost a 50 percent drop from the 2,861 crimes recorded in 2018.

Index crimes, classified as crimes against persons and property, also declined to 354 in the entire Davao del Sur or 40 percent drop from the 592 crimes monitored in the previous year.

Non-index crimes, which usually cover reckless imprudence resulting in a homicide, physical injury, and damage to property also decreased to 1,133 incidents, down by 50 percent from 2018.

Police Col. Alberto P. Lupaz, officer-in-charge of the Davao del Sur police office, attributed the marked decline in crime incidence to the police’ continuing campaign against illegal drugs and the implementation of various anti-criminality program, such as “Oplan Dabaw Sur Kalinaw,” “Oplan Baling Sakyanan,” and other preventive measures, such as consistent police presence in critical areas.

Police had arrested 48 drug personalities in 55 police operations last year and filed 49 cases at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Lupaz said the decline in crime incidence had been attracting more businesses in the province.

“As you could notice, many have put up their business in the province,” he said./lzb