9 out of 10 cases solved, police claim

Citing last year's figures, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday it posted a crime solution rating of 91.36 percent, with 75,410 out of 82,538 criminal cases solved.

"This means that nine out of 10 cases reported to us were solved," said Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, the PNP spokesman.

The national police also boasted of having improved its crime-busting efforts. Of the total 131,927 people arrested for various criminal offenses last year, 1,907 belonged to 600 organized crime groups.

The PNP, in its 1999 accomplishment report, said this translates into a 74-percent increase in the number of busted crime groups, compared to 345 neutralized the previous year.

Among the top wanted criminals arrested last year were Policarpio Abenir, alias Tikboy Laxamana, alleged leader of a robbery gang who had a P300,000 prize on his head; Omar Usman, alias Commander Rolly, who was wanted for murder and kidnapping; and Usop Maulana, alias Commander Endes, who carried a P400,000 prize on his head.

Lacson said kidnappings for ransom dwindled by 59 percent with only 40 cases reported last year.