PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo (Screengrab from Laging Handa briefing)
MANILA – The number of recorded crimes in the country from January to November 13 this year dropped by 2.66 percent year on year.
Citing the latest data, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police force has so far recorded 34,050 index crimes or crimes against persons, such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape; and crimes against property, such as robbery, theft, and car and motorcycle theft.
“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,” Fajardo told reporters in an interview in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday.
She attributed the decrease to intensified police operations and enhanced police presence, including in areas where people usually converge, and also acknowledged the cooperation of the public.
“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.
She noted that they aim to sustain these gains during the Christmas season when crime incidents see an increase amid increased economic activities and mobility.
“The only way na masu-sustain natin itong magandang crime trend natin is yung tutulungan din tayo ng ating mga community dahil sila mismo ang titingin sa kanilang personal safety and security but on the part of the PNP, ang stand ng Chief PNP ay masustain yung police visibility, particularly doon sa mga areas where crimes will likely happen (The only way we can sustain this good crime trend of ours is through the help of communities by taking care of their personal safety and security. However, on the part of the PNP, the stand of the Chief PNP is to sustain police visibility, particularly in areas where crimes will likely happen),” Fajardo said.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., she said, wants to sustain increased police presence in places of convergence.
“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,” she added. (PNA)
