WV’s ‘focus crime’ volume ebb by 65% amid ECQ

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

For the second straight month, Western Visayas’ crime volume continued to plunge, thanks to the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

With restrictions on the movement of people, lesser crimes happened in the region, PNP statistics indicate.

Records from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that focus crimes decreased by 65.92 percent.

From March 17 to May 10, 2020, the region only recorded 214 incidents, as opposed to 628 cases last year.

These focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft and carnapping (motor vehicles including motorcycles).

Carnapping logged the biggest drop at 84 percent, as only four cases were recorded this year compared to last year’s 25.

There were only 34 theft cases this year, as opposed to 166 in 2019 or a decrease of 79.51 percent; rape decreased by 75 percent – from 96 cases to only 24 cases; and robbery by 74.02 percent.

Meanwhile, physical injury cases are also down by 57.31 percent; murder by 40 percent; and homicide by 33.33 percent.

Aside from ECQ implementation, Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said the conduct of checkpoints also helped reduce crimes.

As the number of crime incidents continue to dive, the region’s top cop asked for the public’s help and cooperation by reporting any untoward incident or irregularities to the nearest police stations

He also urged the community to follow regulations, laws, and ordinances, especially during this time of crisis.

“Staying at home does not only keep them safe from the virus but it will also ensure that you are safe from criminals,” the PRO-6 chief said.