ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-9 underscored the drop of focus crime incidents in Zamboanga Peninsula region for the 4th quarter of 2021.

The third quarter of this year logged 339 total index crimes, while this 4th quarter only registered 194 total index crimes or 42.77% of crime incidents were decreased.

“There is a notable decrease of crimes in the region,” PRO-9 Police Colonel Lou F. Evangelista reported during the 4th Quarter Regional Peace and Order Committee Meeting held earlier today, December 14.

Of the total crimes in the 4th quarter, 49 rape cases remained on the top list of crimes followed by 40 murders, 12 physical Injuries and 7 homicide cases categorized under crimes against persons.

In the crimes against property, there are 43 theft cases recorded, 25 robberies, and 18 carnapping incidents.

“We are deploying more security measures and it is highly recommended to the further reduction of these crimes,” said PCol Evangelista.

Police authorities have also sustained the anti-illegal drugs campaign of which 191 anti-illegal drugs operations were conducted this quarter, that resulted to the arrest of 218 drug personalities and confiscation of more than 900 grams of dangerous drugs with estimated worth of 700,000 plus.

The campaign on anti-illegal gambling were also strengthened in the region where 276 persons were arrested in different operations and seized the amount of 64,544 pesos.

“We ensure that Region 9 is a safe place to live and we commit to continue the sustainability of the gains in terms of safety and security,” conluded PCol Evangelista. (EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)