
Crime volume down this year — PNP chief
THE country’s total crime volume went down by more than eight percent this year compared to the 2022 figures.
This was announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the Journal Group learned Sunday.
A PNP Operational Accomplishment Report from January to November 2023 said that amid its commitment to ensure public safety due to threats posed by criminals, terrorists and other lawless elements, police conducted nearly 200,000 foot/beat patrol operations with 360,927,436 man-hours utilized.
Mobile patrol operations during the period have a total of 9,737,064 with 120,902,744 man-hours utilized, said PNP Director for Operations Major Gen. Leo M. Francisco.
The PNP-DO said aggressive and honest police operations and police interventions also led to the arrest of lawless elements that helped reduce the number of crimes they may have committed if they remained free.
Records showed that more than 56,000 drug targets were arrested during the period while over P10 billion worth of shabu and other prohibited drugs were confiscated by the police.
The campaign against loose firearms led to the arrest of nearly 9,000 suspects and the recovery of more than 28,000 loose firearms.
The period also saw the arrest of over 1,500 criminal gang leaders and members as well as nearly 60,000 Wanted Persons and Other Wanted Persons nationwide.
The proactive measures launched by the PNP this year contributed to the reduced crime volume, said PNP spokesman, Colonel Jean S. Fajardo.
Official records from the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management’s Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System showed that during the 1st10 months of 2023, there were a total of 31,864 crimes against persons and property which is 2,383 incidents lower than the same period last year
“We can attribute this sa paglalatag ng magandang seguridad nationwide, to the growing numbers of our force multipliers and to our vigilant citizenry,” said Col. Fajardo.
The official said they would again need the help of their ‘force multipliers’ which include private security guards, barangay peacekeeping officers and other volunteers in keeping criminality down, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The sharp reduction in the crime volume from January 1 to October 31 this year was attributed mainly to the PNP’s intensive crackdown against criminality and effective police-community partnership.
Col. Fajardo said the comprehensive report from the CIRAS of the PNP-DIDM provides undeniable evidence of a significant decline in the country’s crime rate during the 1st 10 months of the year compared to the same period in 2022.
With statistics sourced from the 17 Police Regional Offices nationwide, the official said it highlights a remarkable reduction in various crime indices and confirms the resounding success of the PNP’s intensified operational efforts.
The report paints an impressive picture of the efforts made by the PNP as it showcased an 8.24-percent decrease in Index Crime Volume and an overall 8.18-percent reduction in focus crimes such as murder, robbery, theft, rape, physical injury and carnapping.
“These astounding figures serve as undeniable proof of the effectiveness of the PNP’s law enforcement initiatives,” said Gen. Acorda.
The top cop emphasized the importance of these results, saying “these promising outcomes stand as a clear testament to the tireless and coordinated efforts of the Philippine National Police.”
“Contrary to popular narratives, the statistics undeniably demonstrate a noteworthy decline in the overall crime rate during the 10 months of 2023.
This success reflects the PNP’s commitment to ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ and our unwavering vow to decisively suppress criminal activities, ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” he said.
The comprehensive report not only focused on the decline in various crime categories but also sheds light on the PNP’s operational achievements throughout the period.
Key campaigns against cybercrimes, carnapping, wanted individuals, and loose firearms carried out over the past 10 months of 2023 showcased significant progress.
For instance, the campaign against carnapping involved a total of 482,963 operations, leading to the recovery of 973 vehicles, including 245 motor vehicles and 728 motorcycles, boasting an impressive recovery efficiency of 71.76 percent.
Additionally, 972 suspects were arrested, and 542 cases have been filed in court during the period.
The PNP’s efforts against wanted persons during the period also resulted in the voluntary surrender of 341 individuals, along with 63,486 arrests.
In the campaign against loose firearms, 7,914 individuals were arrested and 25,174 firearms were recovered, surrendered, or confiscated due to violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013.
An additional 15,191 firearms were also voluntarily turned over for safekeeping and 5,049 cases were filed in court,
In the campaign against illegal drugs, police conducted a total of 37,801 operations during the period resulting in the arrest of 48,454 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs estimated at P9,731,467,292.96.
Furthermore, in response to the rising threat of cybercrime, the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group implemented various strategies to combat the menace.
From January to October 2023, these measures included 12 search warrant operations, 23 implementations of warrants to search, seize and examine computer data, 238 service of warrants of arrest, and 170 entrapment operations.
Those operations resulted in the arrest of 732 individuals and the rescue of 4,096 victims.
“This successful track record showcases the unyielding commitment of the PNP to safeguarding public safety and maintaining the overall security of the nation,” Gen. Acorda said.