Fewer crimes during GCQ

MANILA, Philippines — The total number of crimes in Metro Manila decreased when the metropolis was under general community quarantine (GCQ) compared to when it was under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), according to data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

From June 1 to 30, police recorded 2,486 crimes compared to 3,147 crimes recorded during the MECQ from May 1 to 30, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said in a press conference on Friday.

During the ECQ in Luzon from March 17 to April 30, 6,429 crimes were recorded in Metro Manila.

The metropolis, however, had more cases of eight focus crimes during GCQ compared to MECQ.

The eight focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles and carnapping of motorcycles.

The metropolis had 520 cases of the focus crimes during GCQ compared to 321 cases during MECQ and 539 in ECQ.

The total value of the seized illegal drugs during the first semester of the year also decreased compared to the same period last year, Sinas said.

Only P1,052,112,293 worth of illegal drugs were seized from January to June compared to P1,094,134,066 during the same period last year.

Police also arrested 310 top most wanted persons in Metro Manila during the first six months of this year compared to 231 during the same period last year.