Crimes drop during Holy Week in Cebu

Local

MORE than 200 crime incidents were recorded across Cebu Province during this year’s Holy Week.

With zero shooting incidents, the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said the observance of the Holy Week was “peaceful and orderly” as the figures were 44.24 percent lower compared to last year.

Data from the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) showed that total crime incidents fell to 276 cases from March 29 to April 5, 2026, down from 495 cases recorded during the April 13–20, 2025 Holy Week period, a decrease of 219 incidents.

The CPPO said both Peace and Order Indicators (POI) and Public Safety Indicators (PSI) registered significant declines, reflecting improved security conditions across the province during one of the busiest travel and religious periods of the year.

A breakdown of the so-called “eight focus crimes” showed notable reductions in several categories.

Cases of physical injuries dropped from 10 to three, while both murder and rape incidents were cut by half, from two cases each to one. Robbery cases remained unchanged at three incidents.

However, theft cases slightly increased from four to five.

Police also reported zero incidents of shooting, carnapping, and homicide during the period.

Col. Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., chief of CPPO, attributed the decline to intensified security measures and strong coordination with stakeholders.

“The peaceful observance of Holy Week in Cebu Province… reflects the unwavering commitment of our personnel and the invaluable cooperation of our stakeholders and the public,” Mangelen said in a statement.

Police visibility was increased in key areas, including churches, transport terminals, tourist destinations, and major roads, in anticipation of the surge in travelers and devotees.

The Provincial Government of Cebu also credited the coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, local government units, and communities for maintaining peace and order.(TGP)