PNP chief Azurin denies ‘crime hike’: There’s only ‘crime hype’ on social media

Facade of the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame. Image from pnp.gov.ph website

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo  Azurin Jr. on Thursday rebuffed the alleged “crime hike” in the country, saying there is only “crime hype” happening on social media.

According to him, crime incidence in the Philippines is actually on the decline, noting trends since 2010 or over a 12-year period. He lamented that social media seems to just overplay reports on missing persons and crimes.

“We have noted what seemed like a sensational surge in social media reporting of some crime incidents, many of which were previously reported cases that had been categorized as solved by PNP Units,” Azurin said in a speech at an event in Pampanga. “Other purported crime incidents posted in social media turned out to be either rehashed or completely false information.”

“The PNP would like to do its part in educating our people to be more discerning of the true situation, particularly on crime matters, and be able to distinguish between crime hike and crime hype,” he added.

Reports about missing women and the killing of individuals have recently hogged headlines.

The cases of the following missing women have gained the attention of the media and authorities: Princess Dianne Dayor, 24, of Guiguinto, Bulacan, who went missing last July 2 and was found dead near a creek last July 5; Princess Marie Conde Dumantay, 15, who was found dead recently in Bustos, Bulacan, after she went missing since August 9; Josie Bonifacio, 40, who went missing last August 8 and was found dead on August 9 with lacerations on different parts of the body; and Jovelyn Galleno, 22, of Palawan, who was reported missing after failing to return home.

The Gabriela Women’s Party has asked the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the cases of these missing women.

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