AMID QUARANTINE MEASURES

Crime rate down by almost 60% in Central Visayas - official

The crime rate in Central Visayas went down by almost 60% since strict quarantine measures were implemented due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the chief of Police Regional Office VII said Thursday.

"There was a significant decrease on the crime volume, especially on the eight focused crimes. The decrease is almost 60%. This time when ECQ up to GCQ, the crime has significantly (went) down," Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro told Super Radyo dzBB.

Asked about the health and safety situation in the region, Ferro said residents are following the guidelines issued by the national government.

"The Cebuano community are really observing the minimum health standards that our national health policy makers are passing. They are doing it..." Ferro added.

The Philippine National Police earlier released data indicating a 59% decrease in focus crimes during the quarantine period, which is from March 17 to May 27.

Strict quarantine protocols have been implemented to ensure that the public stays at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrests with no warnings have been made by the police. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News