‘SAFER CITIES’ DRIVE RESULTS IN NEARLY 49% DROP IN CRIMES IN CENTRAL LUZON — PRO3 TOP COP

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP CAPTAIN JULIAN OLIVAS, Pampanga – The police in Central Luzon has recorded a significant decline in crimes against persons following the implementation of the Safer Cities Program, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said.

Mendez said the drop was a result of the intensified and intelligence-driven policing across Central Luzon.

Data released by PRO3 showed that cases dropped from 41 incidents recorded between March 26 to April 5, 2026, to 21 incidents from April 6 to April 16, 2026 — marking a reduction of 20 cases or nearly 49 percent.

Mendez attributed the improvement to increased police visibility, strategic deployment of personnel, and stronger coordination with local government units and community stakeholders.

“This reflects what consistent, well-coordinated policing can achieve on the ground. Our efforts are aligned with the directive of our chief PNP Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to keep our communities safe, secure, and conducive to progress,” Mendez said.

The Safer Cities Program, implemented in support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG’s) initiative and reinforced by the Philippine National Police leadership, focuses on enhancing police presence, improving response time, and strengthening community engagement as key measures in crime prevention.

PRO3 assured the public that it will sustain the gains of the program by further strengthening its preventive strategies and continuing close collaboration with partner agencies and local communities to maintain peace and order throughout the region.