SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) -- Maximizing all available platforms to raise public awareness on how to prevent crimes was identified by the police as a key factor that contributed to the 22 percent drop in the crime rate in the Ilocos region.

According to Police Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang, chief of the Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1), their strengthened information dissemination drive includes the conduct of lectures, house visitations, and distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials.

“We do not merely distribute flyers but we take time to discuss, even in a small-group setting, and educate the people on the different measures to safeguard themselves against possible threats,” Sumawang said during an interview over the Kapihan sa Ilocos of the Philippine Information Agency-Region 1. 

He added, “Also, we cascade social media cards containing crime prevention tips that we regularly post on the Facebook pages of our stations.”

Local police authorities are also steadfast in raising awareness about the laws and policies that protect vulnerable groups from violence, abuse, terrorism, pornography, and bullying. 

Based on statistics, PRO-1 noted downward trends in most of the eight focus crimes in the previous year compared to the cases recorded in 2022.

Cases of theft in 2023 decreased to 268 from 312 in 2022; robbery declined to 89 from 108; physical injuries alleviated to 153 from 229; homicide was down to 37 from 48; and rape cases dipped to 401 from 427.

Further, the decrease in crime rate in the region is also credited to increased police visibility, management of police operations, establishment of checkpoints, and implementation of police warrants.

Also, he lauded the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and order in the region. (JCR/MJTAB/AMB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)