CRIME volume in the country over the past nine months have further gone down compared to the same period in 2022, Philippine National Police chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said as he cited increased police-community partnership in reducing criminality.

He cited a report from the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management’s Crime Research Analysis Center.

The agency made a comparison of the state of crime in the country from January 1 to September 5, 2023.

He said that in particular, the Index Crime Volume has shown a decrease of 2,514 cases which translates to an 8.80 percent decline from 28,558 cases in 2022 to 26,044 cases in 2023.

The top three most prevalent crimes for both years are rape, theft and physical injury.

Except for homicide cases, which logged an increase of 0.42 percent in 2023, cases of Focus Crimes, including murder, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and car theft, registered a drop of 8.79 percent.

The PNP chief commended the efforts of his men in ensuring that all their anti-crime programs will be implemented to the hilt to arrest criminality nationwide.

As the holiday season comes near, the PNP chief has instructed all PNP 17 Regional Directors to intensify their efforts in thwarting street crimes.

He also encouraged continued public cooperation in reporting crimes and providing information that can aid in the prevention and resolution of criminal activities.

Earlier, PNP records showed that from January to August this year, there has been a 6.19 percent drop in the country’s crime volume compared to the same period last year.

Gen. Acorda said that during the period, Index Crimes have exhibited a significant decrease of 8.79 percent complemented by a 5.55 percent decline in Non-Index Crimes.

He said that they have recorded a remarkable overall decrease of 8.74 percent on the eight focus crimes: theft, rape, physical injury, robbery, murder, motor vehicle and motorcycle theft and homicide.

Gen. Acorda said that the latest Crime Situation Report showed a 5.03 percent reduction in theft cases; 14.66 percent decrease in rape incidents; 15.87 percent reduction in physical injury; 6.36 percent decrease in robbery cases; a 2.07 percent reduction in murder cases; a 3.84 percent decrease in incidents of motorcycle theft; a 31.98 percent reduction in cases of motor vehicle theft; and a 0.73 percent decrease in homicide cases.

The efforts of the PNP and its partners have yielded positive results in crime resolution exemplified by a 0.08 percent upsurge in Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) during the specified period.

These accomplishments also demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative community efforts and the commitment of law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of every citizen, the top cop added.