Gamboa: Nationwide crime rate went down by 56%; ECQ successful

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Tuesday said the nationwide crime rate has decreased amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Gamboa said the crime rate went down by 56%. 

"Ang pinakamaganda, siguro dahil halos lahat ng tao nasa bahay, generally nationwide, 'yung ating tinatawag na focused crimes, these are robbery, theft, physical injury, robbery-murder and carnapping, generally bumaba siya ng mga 56% to be exact for last week," Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the PNP still continues its operation against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Successful

Meanwhile, the PNP chief said he believes the implementation of the strict quarantine has been successful. He, however, said authorities, especially local government officials, must continue to work hand in hand in encouraging the public to just stay inside their residences.

"On a national scope, I would say successful naman ang ating implementation of the enhanced community quarantine...  Basically the PNP enforces this... of course kailangan din natin ng tulong lalo na ng barangay level na basically caution 'yung mga tao na stay on their homes..." Gamboa said.

"Isa lang naman ang objective nating lahat, lahat tumigil muna sa kanilang bahay..." Gamboa added.

Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. This will last until April 14.

The Philippines has recorded a total of 1,546 COVID-19 cases with 78 fatalities and 42 recoveries. — RSJ, GMA News