PNP: Crime drops by 57% during 84-day coronavirus lockdown

MANILA, Philippines — Crime incidents nationwide dropped by 57 percent during the 84-day community quarantine which was enforced to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

Data from Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield showed that incidents of eight focus crimes dipped from 13,004 cases starting December 24, 2019, until March 16, 2020, to 5,652 cases starting March 17 to June 8, 2020.

The eight focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, car, and motorcycle theft.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said the national police force did not stop its anti-criminality operations despite the ongoing coronavirus quarantine.

“The quarantine did not deter the PNP from pursuing criminals as we conducted numerous operations all over the country. This sends a clear message to the public that there is no let-up in our campaign against lawless elements. Then and now, we will go after them,” Gamboa said in a statement on Wednesday.

For instance, the National Capital Region Police Office adjusted its anti-criminality strategy by adding more foot patrols and mobile patrols as Metro Manila transitions to the less strict general community quarantine (GCQ).

Meanwhile, Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, JTF COVID Shield Commander, said they have recorded 193,779 community quarantine violators who were either given warnings, made to pay fines or were arrested.

Police also detained 885 suspects for alleged hoarding and profiteering of basic and medical goods during quarantine period.

/MUF