MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The province of Lanao del Sur has once again highlighted its intensified effort of maintaining security for its entire citizenry as it recorded a drop in its crime rate and volume during the 2nd quarter of this year.

During the 2nd joint Provincial Peace and Order and Public Safety Council (PPOPSC) and the Provincial Anti-drug Abuse Council (PADAC) quarter meeting, Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) Chief Operations Officer PMaj. Muhiddin Pagayawan revealed that from April 1 to June 7 this year, the province tallied 3.09 percent (%) crime rate which is 1.14% lower than last year’s 4.23%. 

In the same quarter, he bared that the crime volume downed by 27%, from 152 cases last year to 111 incidents this year.

Pagayawan also presented the comparative crime volume during this year’s second quarter wherein murder declined to 16 cases from 26 last year, and homicide, rape and vehicular accident retained their zero cases.

Additionally, physical injury hit only four cases from 13 last year as there were three cases of theft from seven last year.

Robbery cases, however, escalated to four from three last year, and motorcycle accidents grew to three cases from two last year. 

Taking into account that the majority of unwanted incidents have dipped, Pagayawan disclosed that the crime clearance efficiency in the second quarter rose to 6.18%, from 70.39% last year to 76.57% this year while the crime solution efficiency likewise hiked up to 63.96% this year from 50%, logging 13.96% increase.

Accordingly, among the recent efforts made by the LDSPPO were the strengthened campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, illegal gambling and logging, and pushing for anti-carnapping operations.

Pagayawan updated the Councils as well that they have already arrested five individuals, neutralized three people, and logged four surrenderees in pursuit of bringing justice to the victims of the ambush incident held last February this year which involved Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr.

He further stated that as of June 5 this year, they already recorded 458 drug-cleared and 138 drug-free barangays out of 1,159 total barangays in the province. 

Notwithstanding the exhibited accomplishments, Pagayawan noted that the security in the province is still at risk with the remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) which was seen to be continuously recruiting new members, and the presence of other armed groups linked with the DI-MG and illegal drug syndicates. 

He also identified the top ten areas of immediate concern, namely, Marawi City, and the municipalities of Malabang, Pualas, Bayang, Lumbatan, Tamparan, Ganassi, Butig, Lumbaca Unayan and Lumba-Bayabao.  

To advance better the peace and security of the province, he outlined some of the plans such as sustaining the campaign against illegal drugs and other forms of illegal activities with the active support of the local government units and intensifying law enforcement operations on loose firearms through search warrants, checkpoint operations and campaign for surrendering such. 

Pagayawan also stated that they intend to continue the coordination with the Commission on Election in preparation for the barangay and Sangguninang Kabataan elections this year, and strengthen the rido settlement and drug clearing of barangays in coordination with respective LGUs. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)