Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reported a 23-percent drop in nationwide focus crimes during Holy Week and the week prior compared to last year. Focus crimes, including murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping, and theft, fell from 1,574 cases last year (April 5 to 20) to 1,207 cases this year (March 21 to April 5), marking a decline of 367 cases.
According to Philippines News Agency, murder cases slightly decreased from 165 to 160 and homicide from 65 to 49. Robbery fell from 157 to 153, while theft saw a reduction from 508 to 443 cases. Rape experienced the most significant drop, plunging from 404 to 139 cases. Carnapping also decreased, with motor vehicle cases dropping from 13 to 6, and motorcycle cases from 10 to 4.
"I would like to extend our gratitude to our partner agencies, local government units, and advocacy groups for their invaluable support and augmentation. This success is truly a product of our collective effort," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed in a statement.
Meanwhile, the PNP announced it has intensified coordination with community officials and residents to combat cigarette smuggling, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to crack down on criminal syndicates. Nartatez highlighted the April 2 seizure of PHP50 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Maguindanao del Norte as a result of effective intelligence sharing.
"Barangay officials and the people in the community are strong partners in peace and order. This is a tried and tested alliance against criminal elements, and we must keep it that way," he emphasized.
The PNP had earlier reported confiscating PHP2 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and arresting 1,187 individuals from Jan. 1 to March 29.
