Eleazar: Crime rate went down by 61% during ECQ; curfew should be part of ‘new normal’

Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday said the crime rate went down during the enhanced community quarantine, and added that curfew implementation should be included under the new normal in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Eleazar, also the Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for operations, said the crime rate in the country dropped by 61% since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.

“Maganda ang resulta ng pagpapatupad ng curfew. Maalis man itong mga community quarantine, tingin ko, napakagandang intervention na merong curfew sa gabi if you’re a non-worker,” he said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“Dati ‘yung issue about curfew before ECQ, parang ang hirap tanggapin ng ating mga kababayan. This  should be part of the ‘new normal,’” he added.

Eleazar explained that motive and opportunity make a crime. With the curfew enforcement, he pointed out that the opportunity of an individual to commit a crime would be lessened.

Meanwhile, in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas, Eleazar highlighted that police visibility would also lessen the opportunity to commit a crime, as cops will accost people who are not authorized to go outside their residences.

Several videos showing police and other authorities allegedly abusing power and committing violence against civilians found to have violated the curfew guidelines have surfaced online.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said the commission received hundreds of complaints since the start of the ECQ.

Eleazar earlier called for respect to prevent violent confrontations between law enforcers and citizens amid the implementation of ECQ regulations.

The ECQ in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas is in effect until May 15. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News