Killings, thefts up under Alert 1
MANILA, Philippines — Cases of murder and homicide have increased since Metro Manila and other areas in the country shifted to the lenient Alert Level 1 COVID-19 classification.
Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed there were 328 murder cases in March, 12.32 percent more than the 292 in February.
Homicides increased by 17.11 percent, from 76 to 89 cases.
Thefts went up from 921 to 995 cases, an increase of 8.03 percent.
Cases of rape, meanwhile, decreased from 522 to 456, a decline of 12.64 percent.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the total crime volume in March spiked by 5.61 percent from 28,214 to 29,798.
He said in a Teleradyo interview on Monday that the increase could be attributed to the easing of quarantine restrictions under Alert Level 1.
“We had increased mobility,” he said.
Año instructed the PNP to be on alert and more visible.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said on Monday that police have beefed up their presence to protect the public during the summer break.
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