Crime in Ilocos Norte has fallen significantly, thanks to the strong partnership of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, provincial police director Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
With 1,500 reported index crimes in 2015, the figure dropped to 600 at the end of 2016, a decrease of 60 percent.
“The decrease in crime rate is a good indicator that we have effective measure in the prevention of the occurrence of crimes,” Nartatez said.
On crime solution efficiency, he noted that INPPO’s investigation efforts increased from 65 percent to 80 percent in 2016.
Alongside the increase of focused police operations and crime efficiency, INPPO continues to strengthen the competence of their officers through the Capability Enhancement Program.
Through the CEP, police officers undergo series of physical examinations and firearm skill tests to ensure that they are fit for any operation.
INPPO is also intensifying recruitment to ensure there will be no drop in the number of policemen.
Nartatez was also happy to report that during the Yuletide Season, no tourists were harmed or involved in any focus crime, and no fire shooting incidents happened.
He shared INPPO’s goal this 2017: “To intensify the prevention of the occurrences of street crimes, further enhance our investigative solution, further increase the number of arrest involving illegal drugs and illegal firearms and strengthen the capability enhancement program.”
Gov. Imee R. Marcos has expressed Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s full support to INPPO’s plan to fight criminality in the province in line with her vision for development which includes heightened public safety under the campaign for a “livable” province.