Index crimes down 11.67% in Bongbong Marcos first 2 months

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of index crimes during the first two months of the Marcos administration went down by at least 11 percent compared with last year’s figure under his predecessor, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Citing data from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said 5,237 index crimes were recorded nationwide from July 1 to Aug. 25, which is lower than the 5,929 incidents during the same period last year – a decrease of 11.67 percent.

“Here, we can see that even though they are saying that our current government is a bit kind, still, with the cooperation of the community, crimes are going down and down,” Azurin said in Filipino and English in an interview over radio station dzRH last Thursday.

Index crimes involve offenses such as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and vehicle theft.

Azurin did not give details on specific index crimes that have gone down in the past two months.

To sustain the downward trend during the “-ber” months, the PNP chief underscored the need to “saturate” communities with reassuring police presence to deter criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities.

He also instructed police commanders to beef up target-hardening of soft spots and vulnerable environments where crimes are likely to be committed, and the PNP Directorate for Operations to re-evaluate and fine-tune all operational plans and implement guidelines for law enforcement and public safety operations during the holiday season.

“The traditional observance of the holiday season is one annual national event that Filipinos look forward to with great anticipation and enthusiasm,” Azurin said in a statement.

With people already allowed to go out after two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s yuletide season is expected to be more festive.

Azurin said people should expect in the coming weeks some adjustments in the deployment of police personnel, which includes enhanced and extended nightshift duties, more foot and mobile patrols and preventive crackdown against criminals.