Central Luzon crime rate down 4.31% in 2024

Central Luzon. INQUIRER FILES

OLONGAPO CITY — The crime rate in Central Luzon decreased by 4.31 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

PRO3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan reported that a total of 37,514 crimes were recorded from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, which reflected a reduction of 1,689 cases from the 39,203 incidents logged in 2023.

The peace and order index, which includes cases such as theft, physical injury, robbery, rape, murder, carnapping, and homicide, also dropped by 122 incidents, or 3.37 percent, from 3,616 cases in 2023 to 3,494 in 2024.

Similarly, peace and order non-index crimes, which pertain to violations of special laws like Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 9262 (Violence Against Women and Their Children Act), declined by 204 incidents, or 1.58 percent, from 12,931 in 2023 to 12,727 in 2024.

The Public Safety Index, which includes traffic-related incidents, registered a significant decrease of 1,363 cases, or 6.02 percent, from 22,656 in 2023 to 21,293 in 2024.

Maranan attributed the decline to the collaborative efforts of the police force and the community, alongside the effective implementation of their peace and order operational framework.

He also called on the public to continue supporting PRO3’s programs and campaigns.

“This success cannot be achieved by the police force alone. The participation of every citizen in reporting suspicious activities, engaging in community-based crime prevention programs, and maintaining discipline is crucial in sustaining peace and order in our region. Together, let us make Central Luzon a safe and peaceful home for everyone,” Maranan said in a statement.