PNP: Holiday season crime rate down by 14.42% in December compared to 2021 record

The crime rate from December 1 to 20, 2022 has decreased by 14.42% compared to the record of the same period in 2021, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the national total crime volume dropped from 10,643 cases in 2021 to 9,108 cases in 2022.

He added the eight focus crimes—murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, vehicle theft, motorcycle theft, and rape—have decreased by 29.79% from 2,330 in 2021 to 1,636 in 2022.

“Among these eight focus crimes, the top three most prevalent crimes from December 1 to 20, 2022, were theft, rape, and physical injury with recorded cases of 609, 262, and 211 which is lower than the previous year, with 710, 567, and 331 cases respectively,” Azurin said.

He attributed the decrease to the maximum deployment of PNP personnel nationwide for the holiday season, their collaboration with the religious sector, and the launch of the government's anti-illegal drugs campaign.

According to him, the crime solution efficiency also improved from 78.54% in 2021 to 82.47% in 2022.

“I commend all the members of the PNP for doing their job excellently that led to these accomplishments,” Azurin said.

“Amid the great odds and overwhelming challenges, we assure the public that we will sustain the momentum and further improve our deliverables for the benefit of our main clientele, the Filipino people,” he added.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News