PNP: 149 crimes against female students logged from July 1 to August 31

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 149 crimes against female students across the country in the last two months.

PNP data covering the period July 1 to August 31 showed the majority of the reported crimes involved rape, mostly from the National Capital Region.

Cases of acts of lasciviousness and violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 were also recorded.

"Our intention is not to cause panic, but we advise students to be cautious of their surroundings at all times," PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a statement released on Friday.

"When their parents tell them not to trust strangers, the children must take this seriously," he added.

Azurin said the PNP is committed to resolving the reported cases while ensuring "consistent police presence," especially in crime-prone areas.

"There is also strong coordination between the Education Department and the PNP to work hand-in-hand in ensuring the safety of the children," Azurin said.

"Now that classes are returning to the in-person set-up, there is a greater challenge for the police officers to monitor closely the vicinity around learning institutions," he added. —VBL, GMA News