MANILA — The crime rate in the country has decreased by 27.63 percent from January 1 to February 10 this year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. stated that the number of index crimes during this period dropped to 3,246 from 4,485 incidents recorded in the same period last year.
Index crimes are considered serious offenses, while non-index crimes include violations of local ordinances and laws, as well as traffic accidents.
«A significant decrease of 27.60% was also observed in focus crimes, totaling 1,229 cases—down from 4,453 to 3,224,» Acorda said.
The eight focus crimes include theft, physical injury, rape, robbery, homicide, murder, motorcycle theft, and carjacking.
Acorda reported that from January 1 to February 8, police confiscated illegal drugs worth PHP456 million and arrested around 6,000 drug suspects.
Acorda also clarified that extrajudicial killings are not part of the PNP’s operational doctrine.
«Regarding the presented data, we cross-checked it with the DIDM (Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management), and indeed, there were several operations that resulted in such deaths. Based on our assessment, the doctrine of necessary force was applied in these operations that led to fatalities. This means that even though we do not wish for anyone to die, deaths occurred due to self-defense and other circumstances during these operations,» Acorda said when asked to comment on «Project Dahas,» a study published by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.
The study documented 28 drug-related killings in January, nine of which occurred during police operations.
«We do not condone extrajudicial killings, and we welcome these allegations from Dahas. If they have any facts, circumstances, or witnesses that contradict the reports from our field units, we encourage them to come forward. As I’ve said, we want our operations to be aggressive but conducted with integrity, respecting the rights of every individual who is arrested,» he said.
Meanwhile, Acorda announced that the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has issued 29 arrest warrants and conducted 15 operations against cybercriminals.
The list of recorded cybercrimes was led by online scams (749 cases), followed by 368 cases of illegal access and 147 cases of online libel.
«I want to highlight the notable increase in online scams, particularly 439 cases of online selling fraud, 113 investment scams, and 102 debit/credit card phishing cases. As we celebrate the month of love this February, it is crucial to remain vigilant against cybercrime and protect ourselves and our loved ones from romance scams. Let’s prioritize digital security education and stay alert,» Acorda said.
Manhunt Against 4 Armed Groups in Samar
Following a recent clash with an armed group that killed three police officers, the PNP Regional Office 8 has intensified its campaign against four active criminal groups in Samar province.
PRO8 Director Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pavid stated that these four groups consist of at least 30 members, most of whom have active arrest warrants for murder charges.
«There is no set deadline to dismantle these criminal groups, but they are a priority in our operations due to their notoriety and danger,» Pavid told reporters during the sidelines of the 33rd PNP Founding Anniversary celebration.
According to the official, they are following the PNP chief’s order to intensify the pursuit of the Samar criminal group after the January 30 clash in Santa Margarita, Samar, which left three police officers dead and four others wounded.
Pavid added that members of this gang operate in various parts of Samar province and could be exploited by unscrupulous politicians to attack opponents and intimidate voters in the 2025 midterm elections.
