THE Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) revealed there is a decrease of crime volume in the Central Business District (CBD) in 2016.
Police Senior Inspector Melenium Bambilla Bantas of BCPO Station 7 said there is a decrease of crime volume with 1,813 compared in 2015 with 3,012 crimes.
“We have 16 barangays in the Central Business District under Station 7. Regarding crime incidents, I can see that Central Business District is generally peaceful in 2016 from January to December,” Bantas said.
From the data, crime volume committed composed of index and non-index crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) like theft and robbery and under Special laws such as violations under the Dangerous Drugs Act, Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC), illegal gambling, anti-fencing and child abuse cases.
Bantas attributed the decrease of crime volume due to the effective programs of the current administration.
“The big factor here is the launching of the program Oplan Double Barrel, Oplan Tokhang, and Oplan Taphang, which were launched last year,” Bantas said.
“It was lowered based sa ating data from July to December. Doon talaga lumaki ang pagbaba ng crime volume natin. During the launching of the anti - drug campaign, there is a possibility that most of the crime, there is involvement of drugs,” Bantas added.
Bantas, however, admitted their station has the highest crime volume among all police stations in the city.
It is also the place of convergence where bus terminals, parks and city market are located.
Bantas said there are 90 personnel under Station 7 deployed in three police compacts particularly at the Baguio City Public Market, near Center Mall and Upper Session Road.
Police meanwhile advised the public for upcoming Miss Universe event in the city and for the incoming Panagbenga Festival where there is expected influx in the CBD.
“To our visitors who are coming here in Baguio and to all our residents here, please be vigilant on your personal belongings especially in the central business district. We cannot still personally watch you all over the central business district even personnel are deployed. It is our responsibility to be vigilant enough,” Bantas said.