PNP notes massive crime reduction across PH since January — Acorda
AMID its continuing efforts to muster the full support of the citizenry in addressing criminality, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded an 11.78 percent reduction in the number of index crimes nationwide from January to April this year, PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said Wednesday.
According to the top cop, index crime volume dropped to 11.78 percent, from 13,535 in January to April 2022 to only 11,940 over the same period in 2023.
The average monthly index crime rate likewise decreased by 11.63 percent or from 3.01 in 2022 to 2.66 in 2023.
Clearance efficiency for index crimes also dropped by 5.02 percent, from 96.92 percent in 2022 to 91.90 percent in 2023.
Gen. Acorda said the peace and order indicator generally decreased by 11.28 percent as they recorded 63,599 cases during the period compared to the 71,688 cases registered during the same period last year.
Focus crimes, which include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, rape, and carnapping of motor vehicles, also decreased by 11.87 percent from 13,467 cases in 2022 to 11,868 cases in 2023.
Notably, theft of motor vehicles recorded the highest decrease of 29.31 percent or from 116 cases in 2022 to 82 cases in 2023.
“Through the consistent implementation of various strategies, such as intensified police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, community-based programs, strengthened partnerships with other agencies, and improved crime reporting and monitoring systems, we have achieved a noteworthy decrease in index crime incidents over the past 120 days,” said Gen. Acorda.
The PNP chief at the same time renewed their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the country as he vowed to continue all efforts to curb criminal activities. Meanwhile,
Gen. Acorda lauded the 17 Police Regional Offices and the different National Operational Support Units for their role in reducing crime nationwide even as he acknowledged the importance of the community’s participation in maintaining public safety.
“We thank the public for their unwavering support and cooperation, which contributed to the reduction of crime rates in the country. We assure the public that we will continue our intensified operations against criminal activities, and we call on everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he added.
The member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991 who became the country’s 29thPNP chief has laid out the 5 Focused Agenda that will guide his leadership.
The 2nd top cop chosen by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. knowledged the magnitude of the task before him but expressed confidence that, with the support and cooperation of every member of the PNP, they can overcome any challenge that comes their way.
Gen. Acorda’s 5 Focused Agenda centers on five key areas: prioritizing aggressive and honest law enforcement operations that respect human rights and increase conviction rates; boosting personnel morale and welfare; enhancing integrity, which is the foundation of their profession; investing in information and communication technology development; and community engagement.
He said that first, he wants his men to prioritize the conduct of aggressive and honest law enforcement operations that respect human rights with the end in view of further increasing their conviction rate.
“We will intensify our operations against all forms of criminality and illegal activities while upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency,” Gen. Acorda said..
Second, the PNP chief said they are committed to boosting the PNP personnel’s morale and welfare by providing career development, personal support, recognition, promotion opportunities, and proper placement to build a valued and empowered workforce dedicated to serving the community.
Third, he said that Integrity Enhancement will be the foundation of the police profession. “We will strengthen our internal mechanisms to prevent corruption, promote transparency, and ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards. Also, we will not tolerate any form of misconduct, and we will ensure that all officers are held accountable for their actions,” he declared.
Fourth, Gen. Acorda aired his plan to invest in Information and Communication Technology Development.
“We will harness the power of technology to enhance our capabilities in crime prevention, investigation, and law enforcement. We will invest in modern equipment and training to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of criminal activities,” he emphasized
Lastly, he said he wants a much better police-community engagement. “To ensure the effectiveness of our police force, we recognize the critical importance of community support and trust. Thus, we are committed to establishing stronger ties with the community we serve through the promotion of community engagement programs. We will also listen to their needs, collaborate with them, and work together to create a safe and secure environment for everyone,” Gen. Acorda said.
