Central Luzon logs lower crime rate

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — The Central Luzon police has recorded a decrease of at least 5.9 percent in crime incidents last year.

The decrease was a result of intensified crime prevention efforts and increased police visibility, according  to Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon police director.

The intensified campaign against wanted persons resulted in the arrest of 8,650 people, Hidalgo said.

The regional police’s anti-illegal drug operatives netted 8,319 suspects and recovered 21,301 grams of shabu, 63,503 grams of marijuana and 25 ecstasy pills, with an estimated total value of P154 million.

The campaign against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 6,233 people, recovery of P3.8 million in bet money and filing of 1,722 criminal cases in court.