THE POLICE Regional Office XI reported a decrease in its “8 focus crimes” during the first half of 2025, with the shrinking rape incidents contributing largely to the overall improvement.
According to data covering January 1 to June 16, 2025, the total number of “8 focus crimes” dropped to 659 incidents, down from 770 reported during the same period in 2024. This represents a substantial decrease of 111 incidents, or a 14.42% reduction year-on-year.
Speaking in the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 2, Major Catherine Dela Rey, Police Regional Office XI spokesperson, said “the positive trend is primarily attributed to a sharp decline in rape cases across the region.”
The data indicates that rape incidents plummted by 118, accounting for a remarkable 42.60% decrease.
She said this significant drop is credited to various anti-crime strategies being implemented by the PRO XI. The 8 focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motornapping.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
