Manila, March 10 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said gender-based violence in Central Visayas declined by 3.25 percent in January and February.

Based on the report from Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) Women and Children Protection Desk of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, the Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System recorded 447 cases, lower by 15 than the 462 tallied during the same period last year.

The PNP said the most frequently reported offenses pertain to Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act.

The decline was attributed to enhanced community awareness programs, increased efforts in law enforcement and the execution of protective measures d...