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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Crime rate on a downtrend despite what social media shows - PNP chief

Crime rate on a downtrend despite what social media shows - PNP chief

Published Nov 17, 2023 12:31 pm

While social media makes it apparent that crime is rampant, the top official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it's actually on a downtrend except for homicide.

In an interview on Friday, Nov. 17, following the plenary deliberations of the 2024 budget of the PNP, Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. stated that because of social media, it seems like crime is occurring every now and then. But for senators, Acorda added, regardless of the downtrend, it is still a huge thing if someone dies. 

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for his part, expressed alarm over the recent spate of killings in the country. He said that the rise in murders and homicide cases is giving the Philippines a “black eye” in the international community. Yet, he thanked Acorda for his decades of service and serving the Filipino people.

On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva called on the PNP to take serious action against the brazen killings in the country. 

Villanueva also expressed alarm that the recent killings in the country, which the PNP considered “isolated cases,” had been seen by the world through social media. 

“Brazen killing in front of everyone, this has never happened before. This is why we need to be more serious about it and we are hoping we get a report and the developments of these cases if there are cases filed,” Villanueva said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III believes that it's time to bring back the deterrent effect of the criminal laws given that these incidents occurred with the gun ban in effect and that the guns were used to kill two people in public.

"Because the certainty of the PNP and the other law enforcement agencies in solving the crime is high and they will be ultimately caught and charged in court," he said.

According to Acorda, the police force is doing its best with what is given to them by the Filipino people and they want to repay the taxpayers' money with efficient police service. He also gave updates on the different crimes that went viral on social media recently.

One of which is the killing of two passengers who were gunned down inside a Victory Liner bus in Carrangalan, Nueva Ecija last Wednesday by two unidentified men. Regarding this, Acorda said that they are just waiting for the development report and that the suspects have been identified while a theory on the incident is being followed. 

For the incident regarding the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon in Batangas last month, he said that they have coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and that hopefully all those persons who are involved will be put to justice.

PNP's budget has been deemed submitted for the body's approval. 

Related Tags

Senate President Juan Miguel F.  Zubiri Philippine National Police (PNP) Benjamin Acorda Jr. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva
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