ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Police Office has revealed that the city registered 41 index crimes from Jan. 1 to 21, marking an increase from 37 during the same period last year.

Additionally, non-index crimes increased to 72 incidents from 37 last year, and public safety indicators rose from 63 to 96. However, ZCPO spokesperson Col. Paul Andrew Cortes emphasized that crime solution efficiency has also improved. He highlighted ongoing efforts by ZCPO, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, and other PNP/AFP units to enhance security and prevent the execution of terrorist activities in the city.

Zamboanga City continues to maintain a sense of peace, with no imminent threats from lawless groups, despite an increase in crime incidents and other peace and order indicators in the first three weeks of this year, according to city police spokesperson Col. Paul Andrew Cortes.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 9 reveals that theft is the most prevalent crime based on data from September 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Zamboanga City stands out with the highest number of reported cases among other provinces and cities in the region, totaling 134 incidents. The authorities advise the public to stay vigilant and promptly report any instances of theft to facilitate legal action and prevent future occurrences. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)