Number of crime victims in Q3 still lower than previous records —PNP

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Sunday said that the number of common crime victims noted in the third quarter of 2018 was still relatively lower than those previously recorded.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) recently released the result of its survey conducted in September showing that 6.1 percent or some 1.4 million families have been victimized by common crimes in the past six months.

"This number is, in fact, an improvement from the 6.6% crime victimization rate posted in the 1st quarter from January thru March 2018 and the double digit 11.4% from April to June 2016," Albayalde said in a statement.

The figures, however, were higher than the 5.3 percent recorded in the second quarter of the year, according to SWS.

But the PNP assured the public that the numbers "remain manageable" and that the slight increase in the number of crime victims in the past months can be attributed to the holiday season when illegal activities become more prevalent.

"The third quarter (Q3) rate of crime victimization serves to remind our people to remain vigilant, and for us in law enforcement to double our efforts," Albayalde said.

He added that the "greater confidence" of citizens to report crimes to the police also contributed to the increase.

Moreover, Albayalde noted that the same SWS survey showed an improvement in the citizens' feeling of safety and security against property crimes.

The fear of burglary went down by 3 points from 55 percent in June 2018 to 52 percent in September 2018.

The fear of walking in the streets at night remains unchanged at 46 percent throughout the three quarters of the year, the lowest record since April 2016's 42 percent. —Dona Magsino/LBG, GMA News