Cordillera PNP reports decrease in crime volume

By Lito Dar

BANAUE Ifugao – The Cordillera has improved much in peace and order with lesser crime volume and increased solution efficiency.

This was reported by regional police director Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong during the recent 4th quarter Regional Peace and Order Council meeting here at Banaue Hotel.

In the Police Regional Police Office-Cordillera report which presented by Senior Supt. Joseph Adnol to the regional Peace and Order Council headed by Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang, crime volume in the region went down by 10.92 percent January to October this year, with 6,996 crime incidents recorded compared to the 7,854 cases during the same period of 2010.

According to Adnol, index crimes were down by 10.01 percent – from 5,004 in 2010 to 4,503 this year.

For non-index crimes, PRO-Cordillera data also showed 12.53 decrease from 2,850 cases in 2010, to 2,493 this year.

On crimes against persona, out of the 2,147, physical injuries remained majority cases with 1,825.

For crime against property, theft remains was top of the list with 1,644 cases out of the total 2,356 cases recorded.

In the same meeting, Adnol also reported an increase in index crime clearance and solution efficiency for PRO-Cordillera.

Index crime clearance efficiency improved to 25.9 percent this year, compared to 23.9 percent in 2010, while index crime solution efficiency improved to 16.5 percent this 2011 from 14 percent last year.

Adnol said most crimes against persons and properties took place in capital towns and central business areas, though for street crimes such as pick pockets and snatching, most of the cases happened in Baguio.

Adnolsaid for crimes against person most of the cases happened from 6 p.m. until midnight while crimes against property peaked from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On peace and order initiatives, Adnol reported the regional police office intensified its Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) and activated Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) in crime prevention.

The regional police is working on institutionalization of a reward system in provinces through the Provincial Peace and Order Councils, deployment of e-letter system (electronic blotter) in urban areas, and establishment of GIS (Geographical Information System) for crime mapping and analysis.

It was also a primary directive of Magalong to all police personnel to intensify community relations activities, as he acknowledged importance of getting the thrust and support of communities in ensuring peace and order in the region.

Magalong, in a statement, said they have intensified peace and order efforts, programs and strategies.

He added flaws cannot be avoided but he assured that they were doing their best and working hard to make necessary adjustments.