Negros oriental: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) revealed on Wednesday that it has successfully solved nine shooting incidents this year, emphasizing the diligent efforts of investigators and crime solution personnel in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, the spokesperson for NOrPPO, reported that a total of 20 shooting incidents have been documented across the province since January 1. Out of these cases, nine have been resolved, five have been cleared, and six remain under investigation. Polinar explained that a shooting incident is deemed solved when the suspect is identified and apprehended, and a case is subsequently filed in court. Conversely, a crime is considered cleared when the suspect is identified but still at large, with a formal complaint lodged.

For the ongoing investigations, law enforcement authorities are tasked with identifying a suspect or person of interest, although additional evidence is needed to establish their connection to the crime. Polinar highlighted that a significant obstacle in crime investigation is the shortage of witnesses or their reluctance to testify due to fear of retaliation.

The NOrPPO noted that most shootings were driven by personal grudges, while a smaller number were associated with the illegal drug trade. Investigators are currently delving deeper into a recent fatal shooting in Bacong town, where the victim, a suspected drug pusher recently released from jail, was shot dead by unidentified assailants.