THE PNP yesterday reported a 2.66 percent decrease in crime incidence from January to November 13 this year compared to the same period last year.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has so far recorded 34,050 index crimes or crimes against persons like murder, homicide, physical injury and rape; and crimes against property such as robbery, theft, carnapping, and cattle rustling.
“During the same period last year, January to November 13, we recorded 34,982 (index crimes). So for this year, there is a decrease of 932 (cases), which translates to a 2.66 percent decrease,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo attributed the decrease to intensified police operations and enhanced police presence, especially in areas where people usually converge.
She also acknowledged the cooperation of the public, saying. “They are already aware of their personal security. This is a big factor why there is a decrease in (crime) incidents this year.”
Fajardo said they are aiming to sustain the gains during the Christmas season, where crime incidence usually rises.
“That is our objective — to sustain this. That’s why our Chief PNP has issued an order to sustain police presence, particularly in areas where crimes will most likely happen,” said Fajardo.
“The chief PNP wants to sustain police visibility and presence (in these areas) especially because the Christmas season, Yuletide season, is approaching,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said they expect increased economic activity, movement of people and even travel during the holidays.
Fajardo said policemen doing administrative work will be assigned to patrol missions.
“Our policemen will be out in the streets, including our personnel rendering administrative duty who will be required to also perform patrol duties, to make sure we will sustain this decrease in crime trend at least up to the end of the year,” said Fajardo.
The Marcos government’s campaign against crimes, particularly illegal drugs, has gained momentum, according to the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
The OPS took to Facebook to highlight the report of Azurin that included the seizure of some P9.7 billion worth of various illegal drugs since President Marcos Jr. assumed office last June.
“The Marcos government’s commitment to put up mechanisms aimed at improving the country’s peace and order environment, particularly by eliminating illegal drugs, has gained momentum as evidenced by the recent successes of the government’s law enforcement agencies,” the OPS said.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency previously said the Philippines is in a “good situation” in terms of fighting the illegal drugs as more areas in the country are now drug-free. PDEA records show that 26,093 of 42,046 barangays in the country are now drug-free.
Police seized P10,200 worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested a jobless woman in a buy-bust operation in Antipolo City last Monday.
Col. Dominic Baccay, Rizal PNP provincial director, identified the suspect as Conie Sorio of Sitio Taguite in Barangay Cupang. — With Jocelyn Montemayor and Christian Oineza
