PNP: Fewer index crimes, but robbery, homicide up

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded lower index crimes or serious crimes from January to June this year, but said robbery and homicide incidents increased, according to a "24 Oras" report by Jun Veneracion.

The first 6 months of 2023 saw a 10.14% drop in index crimes compared to the same period last year, from 20,765 to 18,660 cases.

However, robbery cases rose by 6.86% to 2,601 cases and homicide by 2.74%  to 525 cases.

Aside from robbery and homicide, other index crimes include rape, theft, physical injury, murder and carnapping.

The PNP said the increase in the number of robberies may be due to the reopening of businesses following the lockdowns at the height of the pandemic.

“Karamihan sa mga robbery ay nangyayari sa mga commercial establishments. Nakikipag ugnayan tayo sa mga security managers para matulungan tayo.” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said.

Homicide cases have been traced to drunken fights, the PNP added.

Meanwhile, the PNP is set to use the gathered data and the upcoming e-report systems as basis for a more accurate police deployment.

“Ang dami nating hotlines ngayon nakakalito kung saan tatawag. ‘Yun po yung objective na magkaroon ng single hotline.” Fajardo said.

The e-report system under the E-Gov PH Super App is set to launch this month.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News