Abran urged everyone to be vigilant and get involved in crime prevention efforts.

He also called on the newly installed barangay officials to reorganize and activate the local peace and order and anti-abuse councils including the inventory of barangay information network.                                                   

“These are mechanisms where locals could participate in crime prevention and will serve as force multipliers as well,” he said.

In a year-end report, APPO reported a decrease in crime incidence by 6.6 percent in 2023 from 1,216 crimes in 2022 to 1,135 crime incidents last year. 

Police chief master sergeant Ria May S. dela Cruz, assistant information officer, also reported an increase in crime solution efficiency to 85.49 percent from 83.72 percent in 2022.

Antique PPO attributed these accomplishments to the combined efforts

Likewise, a total of 25 loose firearms were confiscated during police operations that resulted in the filing of cases for Violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the house-to-house visitation conducted resulted in the surrender of 332 assorted firearms for police custody and safekeeping.

Antique PPO also reported the surrender of 564 wanted persons, 137 are on the list of the top 10 most wanted persons, 17 most wanted persons, and 410 were considered other wanted persons.

All arrested wanted persons were turned over to the court concerned. 

Antique PPO also reported accomplishments against illegal gambling with a total of P73,238.50 bet money confiscated from 82 anti-gambling operations that resulted in the arrest of 261 individuals. 

On the enforcement of municipal ordinance on the protection of marine habitat, a total of 72 operations were initiated that resulted in the apprehension of 308 personalities with an estimated amount of P64,955,120.00 of fish and fishing paraphernalia confiscated and fined.

For the protection of the environment, a total of 61 operations against timber poaching were conducted that resulted in the arrest of 61 violators and confiscation of assorted forest products with a total of 18,134.237 board feet with an estimated market value of P692,857.72.

With these accomplishments, Abran lauded the dedication and commitment of the women and men of APPO for their commendable performance to ensure peace and order in the province are upheld.

He also cited the untiring support and cooperation of the community and stakeholders in keeping the peace, public safety, and security in the province of Antique.