By Martin Sadongdong The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday clarified that Naga City ranked number six among the major cities outside of Metro Manila with the highest crime volume in the first seven months of 2018, contrary to what was earlier declared. Philippine National Police Spokesperson Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr.
(Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN) "Based on the latest PNP data, among the major cities of the country outside of Metro Manila, Naga City is ranked No. 6 in the total crime volume January to July 2018," said PNP spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. "During the same period, Naga City has also posted the highest average monthly crime rate (AMCR) followed by Mandaue City, Iloilo City, Santiago City and Cebu City," he added. Data from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (PNP-DIDM) showed that Naga City has a total crime volume of 2,879 incidents from January to July 2018. Overall, Naga City was in the 16th place in cities with the highest total crime volume topped by Quezon City with 22,019; Manila with 12,424 and Cebu City with 6,324. Aside from Cebu and Naga, other cities outside of Metro Manila with high crime rates include Iloilo City at seventh place (4,518); Mandaue City, eighth, (4,452); Zamboanga City at 12th place (3,581); and Davao City -- the hometown of President Duterte, at 15th place (3,071). As for the AMCR, Naga City tops the list with 202.80 average monthly crime rate, the data noted. It was followed by Mandaue City (169.49) and Pasay City (141.84). Last Wednesday, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde backed Duterte's pronouncement that Naga City, a bailiwick of opposition Liberal Party (LP) and Vice President Leni Roberedo, is a 'hotbed of shabu' if the basis would be its total crime volume. He then went on to say that Naga City is the fifth city outside Metro Manila with the highest crime reporting in the first seven months of 2018. "If the assumption that crime and drugs are interrelated, we can rightfully make our own decision," he said. However, Durana said there was an oversight in the data, adding that he apologizes for the mistake. "My sincere apology to this oversight and whatever inconvenience it may have caused in which I, as acting chief PIO , is solely responsible," he said.