DAVAO ORIENTAL—Crime volume in the province dropped by 42%, or a total of 844 reduction from 2,001 cases in 2017 to 1,157 cases in 2018, the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) reported on Tuesday, during a traditional New Year’s Call on Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

DOPPO Provincial Director PSSUPT Marcial Mariano Magistrado said that the crime reduction is attributed to the “collaborative efforts exerted by Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, stakeholders, and the community.”

Index crime dropped from 559 to 314, while non-index crime dropped from 1,442 to 843.

Crime statistics in 2017, which recorded the highest on physical injuries at 143 cases, decreased to a total of 89 cases.

“The intensified effort by this office in the implementation of Enhanced-Managing Police Operations as one of the strategic paradigms on crime prevention and suppression marks the significant decrease of crimes compared to year 2017,” he added.

Magistrado said that while crime has decreased significantly last year, they will further strengthen the enforcement of their plans and programs. Some these are: implementation of Oplan “Davao Oriental Kalinaw” at least once a month; continuous anti-illegal drugs campaign; establishment of 24/7 checkpoints in some areas; among many others.