Crimes in Cebu drop by 31 percent

THE Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has reasons to be happy as crime statistics dropped by 31.20 percent from January to August this year.

The CPPO was recently awarded as the best in anti-illegal drugs campaign nationwide.

CPPO Director Patrocinio Comendador Jr. said that the province, despite having the biggest population in the region, is also the second lowest in average monthly crime rate in Central Visayas.

According to the comparative crime statistics report of the CPPO, the number of crimes fell to 3,999 from the 5,036 cases last year, or a drop by 31.20 percent.

“Right now, we are better off compared to previous years. All crimes are on downward trend,” Comendador said in a press briefing.

For the last eight months of this year, a total of 2,487 index crimes were recorded, while there were 3,452 cases for the same period last year.

Non-index crimes fell to 1,515 from last year’s 1,584.

Index crimes are those committed against persons and properties, while non-index crimes are violations of special laws, such as those against illegal drugs, gambling, and loose firearms.

Rampant

Theft, physical injuries and robbery remained the most rampant index crimes in the province.

Most of Cebu’s northern towns were noticed to have the highest average monthly crime rate, with Compostela in the number one rank.

This is based on per 100,000 population wherein a town with small number of residents will surely be affected, Comendador said.

“This does not mean that a certain town that has a high number of crime occurrence is unsafe,” Comendador said.

On CPPO’s drive against illegal guns, they have confiscated 242 loose firearms this year.

Drugs

An estimated P3 million worth of illegal drugs were seized, while 250 suspected drug personalities were arrested in their operations.

In the anti-illegal gambling campaign, a total of 342 persons were arrested and 196 cases were filed in court.

The provincial police force also recovered an estimated P569,950 worth of lumber in their campaign against violators of environmental laws.

Comendador said they are bracing for the “ber months” as crime incidents are expected to rise with the possible arrival of unscrupulous people who are expected to take advantage of the yuletide season.