PNP: Crime rate down by 27% in January-February 2024 compared to 2023

The crime rate in the country has declined by around 27% in January-February 2024 compared to the 2023 record, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Monday.

“The crime situation update for January 1 to February 2, 2024, reflects a significant improvement, with a 27.79% decrease in Index Crimes (from 3,573 to 2,580, a decrease of 993),” Acorda said at a press briefing.

Index crimes are offenses that are serious in nature and occur with sufficient frequency and regularity such that they can serve as an index to the crime situation like murder, robbery, rape, among others.

“A 27.78% decrease in Focus Crimes compared to the same period in 2023 (from 3,546 to 2,561, a decrease of 985),” Acorda said.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycles, according to the PNP.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, the PNP arrested 4,823 suspects and confiscated dangerous substances worth around P359 million from January 1 to February 3.

For loose firearms, the PNP said it arrested 709 individuals and confiscated 3,384 guns.

PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group served a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data, as well as conducted 21 warrant arrests and 12 entrapment operations, according to Acorda.

“I want to assure the public that our unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the security and welfare of our citizens, and promoting unity for the advancement of our cherished nation continues to be our top priority,” Acorda said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News