Police: Crimes decreased since July

CEBU, Philippines - Based on statistics, there was a downward trend in the number of crimes in the region from July last year until the present, the police said.

Police Regional Office-7 Deputy Regional Director for Operations Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas said there was a decrease in cases of robbery, theft, murder, homicide, motornapping or carnapping and physical injuries.

However, Lawas said they noticed that there was a slight increase in the incidents of rape compared to the previous years.

“Ang among gibantayan karon if in case mo-action siya'g saka, kay basin ato ning ma-relate sa anti-drugs campaign nato,” he said.

After President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Philippine National Police had intensified, but it was suspended last month following the death of Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo from the hands of the police’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group.

As to the increase of rape cases, Lawas said they have already called the attention of the Women and Children Protection Desk to take a look at the circumstances that caused the increase in the number.

“Dunay two or three incidents increase compared to last year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawas said after their campaign against illegal drugs was suspended, they still continue to receive various reports that the illegal activity has resurfaced.

“Naay observation nga nibalik kuno.  Naay text og tawag nga nadawat nga ni-increase kuno ang activity on illegal drugs,” he said.

Lawas said they are still verifying the reports.

If these reports are confirmed, they will forward the information to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7, Lawas said.  (FREEMAN)