‘Kalinga crime rate drops by 21.5% in first quarter of 2026; province relatively peaceful’ - KPPO

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Crime incidents in the province of Kalinga significantly dropped in the first three months of 2026 and were attributed by the Kalinga Provincial Police Office (KPPO) to the continued cooperation between the police and the community.

The crime statistics were presented by the KPPO during the 1st Quarter Joint Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on March 30 at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Figures presented by Police Major George Acob showed that the overall crime volume in the province decreased by 21.05%, from 76 cases in the first quarter of 2025 to 60 cases in the same period this year.

Of the total recorded in 2026, 14 were index crimes, reflecting a 30% decline from 20 cases in 2025.

On the other hand, non-index crimes were recorded at 46, which is 17.86% lower compared to the 56 cases recorded in 2025.

As defined by the Philippine National Police (PNP), index crimes are those committed against persons—such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape—while non-index crimes involve violations of special laws, such as illegal logging or local ordinances.

Despite the drop in index crimes, efficiency indicators showed mixed results. Index Crime Clearance Efficiency (ICCE) slightly decreased from 90% to 85.71%, indicating that a slightly smaller proportion of reported crimes were cleared by the police.

Meanwhile, Index Crime Solution Efficiency (ICSE) declined from 80% to 50%, meaning fewer cases were fully solved.

With the overall decrease in crime volume, the KPPO declared that the province remains relatively peaceful as of the first quarter of the year.

“The province’s crime situation for the period (January–March) is relatively peaceful. The decrease in crime volume reflects the effectiveness of crime prevention efforts by the PNP and its stakeholders,” the KPPO noted in its report.

The law enforcement agency, headed by Provincial Director Gilbert Fati-ig, appealed for the continued cooperation of the public to help sustain peace and order in the province.