Ang Pahayagan

Pampanga — Crime incidence across Central Luzon declined significantly in November 2025, with 210 fewer cases recorded compared to the previous month, underscoring the sustained impact of intensified law-enforcement operations and proactive policing by the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

Based on comparative crime statistics, total crime incidence dropped from 3,576 cases in October to 3,366 cases in November 2025, reflecting a 5.87 percent decrease. PRO3 attributed the decline to focused police operations aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda under the leadership of Acting Chief, PNP Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and the regional command’s 3Ps framework—Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism.

Crimes categorized under the Eight Focus Crimes—murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping (motor vehicle), and carnapping (motorcycle)—also showed a downward trend. Reported cases decreased from 1,522 in October to 1,460 in November, marking a reduction of 62 cases or 4.07 percent.

PRO3 likewise reported a major operational milestone in November, with the arrest of all Top 10 Most Wanted Persons at the Regional Level within just four days. The swift apprehension was credited to intensified manhunt operations, actionable intelligence, and close coordination among operating units.

The momentum continued into December, as PRO3 confirmed that all Top 10 Most Wanted Persons at the Regional Level for December were also arrested within the first week of the month, highlighting the consistency and effectiveness of the region’s campaign against high-profile criminal personalities.

In the fight against illegal drugs, PRO3 sustained its aggressive operations, conducting 724 anti-drug operations in November 2025, which led to the arrest of 1,077 drug personalities. Authorities seized illegal drugs with a total estimated value of PHP25.3 million, including 3,676.116 grams of shabu worth PHP24,997,588.80 and 1,390.774 grams of marijuana valued at PHP166,892.88.

PRO3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. said the sustained decline in crime and the rapid arrest of the region’s most wanted individuals demonstrate the effectiveness of continuous police operations and strengthened community cooperation.

He added that PRO3 remains committed to further intensifying law-enforcement initiatives in line with the PNP Focused Agenda and the 3Ps to sustain peace and order and ensure public safety across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)