PNP aims to sustain decreased crime rate amid Christmas frenzy

CHRISTMAS LANTERNS / OCTOBER 9, 2024
A woman assemble several Christmas lanterns each prize at P70 at Central Market, Sta. Cruz, Manila on October 9, 2024.
INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – The number of recorded crimes in the country from Sept. 1 to Nov. 10, this year has dropped by 21.42 percent compared to the same period last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said the nationwide crime volume from Sept. 1 to Nov. 10 was recorded at 5,984, a decrease of 1,631 from the 7,615 recorded during the same period in 2023.

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She said the biggest decrease were recorded in robbery, which logged ay 25.64 percent drop; and theft cases, which went down by 10.14 percent.

She said these data break the trend that crimes spike during the so-called “Ber” months due to increased economic activities and mobility.

Fajardo said the PNP aims to sustain these gains with intensified anti-criminality efforts, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with the aid of force multipliers and the public.

“Doon sa sinasabi natin na ina-anticipate natin na kapag Ber months ay tumataas ang mga insidente natin and ‘yung ating mga kababayan na sila na mismo ay aware doon sa kanilang mga (We anticipate that incidents increase during the ‘Ber’ months and our citizens themselves are aware of their) personal security and safety,” Fajardo said.

Part of security preparations is the cancellation of all vacation leave of police officers from Dec. 15 to Jan. 10, 2025.

Additional patrol teams will be deployed to churches, especially when the traditional nine-day Dawn Masses (Simbang Gabi) start Dec. 16.