In Western Visayas: Decline in crimes marks Holy Week

ILOILO CITY , Philippines   — When Western Visayas took a breather to commemorate Holy Week, crimes and criminals apparently also took a respite, according to the Police Regional Office-6 in its report that showed a dramatic decrease in the crime volume from April 17 to 24.

Only seven robbery cases were reported compared to last year's Holy Week observance (March 9-April 4) when 50 robberies occurred. There were only two theft incidents compared to last year's 175 cases, and only 25 crimes against persons (stabbing, hacking, and shooting) now compared to 99 last year, said PRO-6.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., PRO-6 director, said that while observing the Semana Santa, police did not rest in running after criminals, as they conducted 20 raids against illegal gambling, 12 against illegal drugs, and 32 against wanted persons.

"We had a relatively peaceful Holy Week celebration this year," Querol said adding that PRO-6 has been successful in enforcing its security plan, resulting in the decline of crimes that he attributed to the proper implementation of the PNP's Oplan Summer Vacation, which focused on its Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS).

The PIPS comprises the conduct of checkpoints, mobile patrols, high visibility patrols in places of convergence, and putting up of police assistance centers in municipalities and along the routes leading to tourist destinations. Its success can be ascribed also to the cooperation of the community, said Querol.

But on top of the PNP's security measures, Querol ascribed the peaceful Holy Week commemoration to the cooperation of the community.

Querol said that, while all security plans were properly executed, more improvements shall be done now for next year's Holy Week celebration. For one, PRO-6 would be asking for security devices such as metal detectors and X-ray machines to be put up in all airports and major ports in Western Visayas.

Deployment of K-9 dogs would also be helpful to avert crimes from happening, Querol said.