In the first 26 days of 2025, the Mimaropa region experienced a notable decline in crime, with a 23.76% reduction reported by the Police Regional Office (PRO-4B). This region, encompassing Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, saw crime incidents fall from 383 to 292 compared to the same period in the previous year. Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada, the director of PRO-4B, highlighted this achievement, noting his office’s focus since taking over in December 2023 on reducing crimes, particularly those against women and children. A significant decrease in rape cases was observed, dropping by 64.52% from 31 cases in 2024 to just 11 in 2025. Quesada credited this success to strategic planning, increased police presence, and robust community partnerships.
In a related development, Central Luzon’s PRO-3 reported the arrest of 387 wanted individuals between January 10 and 26. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the head of PRO-3, stated that these arrests included 70 of the most wanted persons, charged with serious crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and drug-related offenses. The Bulacan Police Provincial Office led the region in arrests, apprehending 75 wanted individuals. Central Luzon includes the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales.