Baguio robbery cases jump 78.6% as index crimes slightly rise

BAGUIO CITY—The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) recorded a 2.1-percent increase in index crimes from January 1 to October 25, 2026, with robbery and motorcycle carnapping among the offenses that increased compared with the same period last year.

In a report on Wednesday, Nov. 4, BCPO City Director Police Col. Nixon Laoyan said 243 index crime incidents during the period, five more than the 238 recorded in 2025.

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Robbery cases posted the biggest increase, rising by 78.57 percent from 14 incidents last year to 25 this year. Motorcycle carnapping also increased by 60 percent, from five to eight cases, while theft cases slightly rose from 122 to 123.

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Despite the increases, several offenses recorded declines. Rape cases dropped by 11.9 percent, from 42 to 37, while homicide incidents decreased by 75 percent, from four to one. Motor vehicle carnapping also fell by half, from four to two cases.

Physical injury cases remained at 44, while murder incidents stayed at three. Theft remained the most frequently recorded index crime, accounting for more than half of the total cases.

Meanwhile, vehicular traffic incidents decreased by 1.34 percent, with 736 recorded incidents compared with 746 in the same period last year. The report also showed a 4.76-percent increase in non-index crimes but did not provide the corresponding comparative case counts.

For October 2026, reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property topped the five leading offenses with 53 incidents. This was followed by 11 violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, nine cases of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries, five involving multiple physical injuries, and four theft incidents.

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Laoyan said the BCPO continues to analyze crime data to identify patterns and guide police deployment, visibility, patrol operations and prevention efforts in areas requiring greater police presence.

The police office also continues to coordinate with barangays, business establishments and other stakeholders to strengthen crime prevention and reporting mechanisms. Laoyan urged residents to promptly report incidents and cooperate with authorities to help prevent crimes and ensure timely police response. /jpv