CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (September 17, 2025) — Theft remains the most reported crime in Northern Mindanao, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP)-10, which is urging business owners and communities to install CCTV cameras, hire security personnel, and strengthen neighborhood watch systems

During the Lambo Dyes radio program on Sept. 12, PNP-10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro said incidents of petty theft, or “kawat-kawat,” typically occur on Friday afternoons and target commercial areas in urban centers like Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

“Daghan gayud tindahan, so dako kaayo nga butang nga kung muingon kita og crime prevention, kining pag-install og mga CCTV. Dako kaayo na og tabang. Mahimo na sila og deterrents sa crime kay ang mga kawatan magduha-duha gyud og sulod kung makita nila nga aduna’y CCTV kani nga mga lugar,” Navarro said.

(There are so many stores that it is a big deal that if we talk about crime prevention, this installation of CCTVs is a big help. They can be a deterrent to crime because thieves will hesitate to enter if they see that there are CCTVs in these places.)

Navarro said that from January to August 2025, the region recorded 10,030 crime cases, a 6.85% decrease compared to 10,768 incidents in the same period in 2024. Moreover, data from the PNP’s Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System showed that peace and order indicator crimes—including theft, robbery, murder, rape, and other offenses against persons and property—also dropped by 9.47%, from 6,264 in 2024 to 5,671 this year.

Navarro emphasized that crime prevention should be an everyday effort, not just during National Crime Prevention Week. “Every year we celebrate National Crime Prevention Week, pero wala kana nagpasabot pud nga isa lang pud ka semana ang atoang pag-observe sa crime prevention. It should be every day,” she said.

(Every year we celebrate National Crime Prevention Week, but that doesn’t mean that we only observe crime prevention for one week. It should be every day.)

Navarro also stressed that crime prevention remains the priority over solving crimes, as it reduces the risk of loss of life or property.

Aside from law enforcement operations, the PNP conducts information drives in schools and communities to educate the public on crime prevention.

Navarro said their programs also focus on reducing violence against women and children, including educating men about the legal consequences of abuse.

She urged local governments to support grassroots security efforts, such as activating Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), improving street lighting, and coordinating with residents for neighborhood watch programs. Some areas in the region have received solar-powered lights to help deter crime at night.

Navarro noted that emergency response has improved through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s supervision of the Enhanced 911 system.

“Ang atong E911 sa pagkakaron anaa na sa supervision and control sa atong DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government], para mas mapaspas gayud. Dako nga butang nga within specific period of time makaabot ang atoang kapulisan,” she said.

(Our E911 is currently under the supervision and control of our DILG, so response can be done faster. It is a big thing that within a specific period of time, our police will arrive so that our people, when they go out of their respective homes, will have that feeling of safety.) (RTP/PIA-10)