PNP: Crime slips as drug war intensifies

July 9, 2016
A body of a man with a sign “Holdaper Ako Wag Tularan” is investigated by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) that was discovered early saturday morning along Bonifacio Drive in Manila.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reported a downward trend in crime in the first half of 2016 amid the government’s relentless war against illegal drugs.

PNP said a total of 46,060 crime incidents were recorded in June, down from the 52,950 incidents reported in January.

Chief Superintendent Camilo Pancratius Cascolan attributed the decrease to the government’s ongoing drive against illegal drugs, namely Project Double Barrel and Project “Tokhang.”

READ: Drug monster bigger than expected

Oplan Double Barrel is the Duterte administration’s blueprint for its drug war, which supposedly involves exposing the “upper barrel” to capture “high-value” and supply-side targets; and the “lower barrel” to eliminate “low-value” and demand-side targets.

Tokhang, which was first launched in Davao City in 2012, is a combination of “toktok” or knock and “hangyo” or to plead or request.

Cascolan said there was a correlation between drug use and other forms of index crimes against persons and properties.

“Over the last 21 days since Project Double Barrel was implemented in July 1, 2016, the PNP has recorded a national total of 3,213 arrested drug personalities during separate police operations by local and national PNP Units,” the PNP said in a statement.

“Under Project ‘Tokhang’ or house visitations on residences of suspected drug personalities, a total of 120,038 voluntarily yielded to authorities, among them, 112,902 drug users and, 7,107 pushers,” it added.

The PNP said a total of 239 drug suspects were slain in police operations as of 6 a.m. July 22.

READ: Duterte to troops: Be not afraid to kill drug traders, criminals

A count by INQUIRER.net’s “Kill List,” however, notes 378 deaths between May 10, the day after President Rodrigo Duterte  won the elections, and July 21. IDL/rga

READ: THE KILL LIST