Davao Region Records Significant Crime Reduction in Early 2026
The Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) has announced a substantial decrease in focus crime incidents during the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. According to official data, the region recorded 204 focus crimes this year, down from 289 cases in 2025, representing a reduction of 85 incidents.
Official Confirmation and Statistics
Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson for PRO-Davao, confirmed these figures during a press conference held by the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. "For the record last year, there were 289 focus crime incidents. This year, we only have 204. That's a difference of 85," Dela Rey stated, emphasizing the positive trend in crime statistics.
Types of Crimes Monitored
The eight focus crimes that police have been tracking include:
- Murder
- Homicide
- Physical injury
- Rape
- Robbery
- Theft
- Carnapping (vehicle theft)
- Motorcycle theft
Dela Rey noted that all eight categories have shown declines, with no increases reported in any monitored crime type. "The eight focus crimes have all decreased. Nothing has increased," she highlighted during the briefing.
Factors Contributing to Crime Reduction
Several key factors have contributed to this significant crime reduction according to police officials:
- Enhanced Coordination: Continued collaboration with malls, stores, and barangay officials has played a crucial role in crime prevention efforts.
- Active Tracking: Weekly monitoring of wanted persons remains operational, with some weeks recording as many as 44 apprehensions.
- Information Sharing: Weekly accomplishment reports are shared with the City Police Office and barangay officials to maintain coordinated law enforcement efforts.
"Coordination with mall and store security remains important, and of course, we ourselves must take care of our belongings when we go out," Dela Rey added, emphasizing the shared responsibility approach.
Continued Vigilance Despite Progress
Despite the encouraging statistics, police officials stressed that law enforcement remains vigilant. The decrease in crime incidents does not signal any relaxation of security measures. Police continue to conduct operations aimed at maintaining public safety and preventing potential incidents from escalating.
Dela Rey assured the public that law enforcers remain committed to their duties, adding that the partnership between police and the community has proven vital in achieving the current reduction in crime. She concluded by reiterating that public safety represents a shared responsibility between law enforcement and residents, who are encouraged to maintain personal vigilance while acknowledging police efforts to keep the region secure.
