By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippines’ crime rate dropped by 12 percent during the first month of implementation of the anti-crime program “Safer Cities” initiative, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
Based on PNP data, a total of 2,684 focus crimes were recorded from April 6, when the campaign was launched, to May 6. This was lower than the 3,047 focus crimes recorded from March 6 to April 5, reflecting a decrease of 363 cases or 12 percent.
The eight focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, car theft, and motorcycle theft.
Notable declines were recorded in rape cases, which fell by 25 percent from 519 to 387 cases, and physical injury cases, which decreased by 24.3 percent from 489 to 370 cases.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. attributed the accomplishment to police personnel who continue to work to maintain peace and order nationwide.
“We will not stop until the people feel more secure in their areas. As your PNP, we will continue to improve our operations and ensure that our people feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities,” he said.
Nartatez added the PNP would continue strengthening its “operational readiness and investigative capabilities.”
Launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on April 6, the “Safer Cities” initiative enforces local ordinances such as a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, a ban on public drinking, and restrictions on shirtless roaming and late-night videoke sessions.
Under it, additional police officers were also deployed near schools during school hours to ensure student safety, as well as in areas with high public convergence.
SPD anti-drug ops
Meanwhile, the Southern Police District (SPD) on Monday reported confiscating PHP2.56 million worth of illegal drugs and arresting 99 suspects in operations conducted across southern Metro Manila from May 4 to 10.
The arrests and seizures resulted from 78 anti-drug operations conducted within the SPD’s jurisdiction, which covers the cities of Makati, Pasay, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa, as well as the municipality of Pateros.
Of the 99 arrested suspects, 97 were identified as street-level individuals, while two were classified as high-value individuals.
Authorities seized about 341.82 grams of shabu, 1,438.37 grams of marijuana, 5.67 grams of kush, and 10 vape cartridges containing marijuana or cannabis oil, with a total estimated value of PHP2.56 million. (PNA)
