BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – Police continue to boost anti-criminality operations in the province of Abra as total crime incidents increased by 34 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
 
Abra Police Provincial Office (PPO) Provincial Operations and Management Unit Chief PLtCol Ricky Dangioan, during the joint PDC-PDRRMC-PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC meeting, reported that from the 56 crime incidents recorded in January to March 2023, crime incidents  increased to 85 during the same period this year.

He also presented that under the eight focus crimes, cases of homicide, physical injuries, robbery, and theft increased, while murder and rape cases decreased.
 
With the rising crime cases, Dangioan recommended the passing of a resolution for an enabling ordinance requiring business establishments to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) or video surveillance cameras.
 
He also shared police innovations to curb criminality.
 
“We continue to deploy tactical motorcycle riding units and enhance the management of police operations. We also conduct the Abra PPO best practices that include the joint effort and engagement with the people, bileg ti agtutubo, conflict mediation and diffusion, and theKagimungan, Agdidinnang-ay para ti Dur-as ti Abra (KADAbra) which aims to establish partnerships with the people,” he said.

During the joint meeting, Dangioan also presented police accomplishments particularly the confiscation of illegal drugs with a total value of P79,016.
 
On loose firearms, the police officer reported that there were two loose firearms confiscated, 89 surrendered, and three turned in for safekeeping.

For the period, a total of 22 wanted persons were arrested. Fifteen individuals were also arrested and a total of P11, 807 was seized in six anti-illegal gambling operations held.
 
A total of P89,594.85 worth of lumbers was seized, and one individual arrested due to illegal logging.
 
Four members of the NPA communist terrorist group also surrendered to the police, and are currently being processed for immediate assistance.
 
Dangiaon enjoined member agencies and local government units to continue to strengthen collaboration towards safe and peaceful communities.(JJPM-PIA Abra)