*During the period of January to June 15, 2019
*Ilocos Norte remains generally peaceful–INPPO
The Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office has reported that the province was “generally peaceful” despite the 11% increase of crime volume during the past five and half months.
The INPPO made the assessment report during the second quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall, Provincial Capitol in Laoag City last June 21.
Police Provincial Director, Col. Cesar Pasiwen first described the recent May 13 midterm polls as “generally peaceful” noting that the 900 police troopers deployed during the elections deserved the credit for their job well done.
However, several violations of the poll liquor ban were recorded in Laoag City, and in the municipalities of Nueva Era, Piddig, and San Nicolas.
Under the special events security management, the INPPO proudly shared that the “zero crime against tourists” standing was consistent over the same period.
Moreover, Ilocos Norte continued to hold the status as communist insurgency-free for the past seven years now.
Despite peace and order measures, crime volume from January 1 to June 15 this year had increased by 11% compared to last year’s data.
There was a 17% increase in non-index crime while data for index crime dropped by 32% during the same period.
Index crimes involved crimes against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape while crimes against property include robbery, theft, and carnapping/carjacking.
On road mishaps, vehicular traffic accidents increased by 31% caused by drunk driving, human error, lack of driving skills, and lack of road signages, among others.
Meanwhile, on the drug clearing operations conducted from January to May, PADAC had cleared 286 barangays out of the 522 affected villages.
During the PADAC operations, 28 drug personalities and five high-value targets were arrested and charged in court.
PADAC declared Ilocos Norte as 100% “drug-cleared” last March, however, roughly 239 barangays were still under validation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Reacting to these reports, outgoing Vice Governor now 2nd District Representative-elect Angelo Marcos Barba, who presided over the joint meetings, commended the collaborative efforts of the two councils in maintaining peace and security in the province. –(Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO)
