The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed deep concern over the alleged misreporting made in police blotters in Davao City as an "attempt" to cover up the city's real crime statistics.

In a statement, the CHR cited reports of "discrepancies" in two police log books which showed different entry reports. One contained lesser records and wrong classification of cases, which resulted in the reassignment of 19 police station commanders in Davao City, it said.

The CHR said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Operations Manual requires each PNP operating unit/station to maintain two separate police blotters - the blue and pink blotters.

The blue blotter should contain a daily registry of all crime incident reports involving official summaries of arrest, and other significant events reported, while the pink blotter should contain reported cases involving Violence Against Women and Children, Trafficking in Person, and other Gender-Based violence.

As a public document, the CHR said that the police blotter is open to legitimate members of the media. And as long as it does not compromise national security and public safety, the CHR said that the PNP should practice transparency and accountability in providing information to the public.

At the same time, the CHR said that under the PNP Standard Operating Procedure in Recording Incident Reports in the police blotter requires that cops should "make sure that all the information gathered is truthful and exact in its documentation."

The fact that there have been reported discrepancies in the Davao City police blotter is a matter of great concern, the CHR said. 

"Manipulating crime statistics obscures the true extent of criminal activity, and in turn, prevents victims from obtaining justice as their cases may be downplayed or ignored," it said.

"The Commission emphasizes that maintaining the accuracy and integrity of crime reporting is essential for maintaining justice and public confidence. Accurate crime statistics ensure that the State remains accountable to the people," it added.

It then reminded the government and law enforcement authorities of their obligations to maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

It stressed that while it recognizes that the law enforcement sector seeks to lower the crime rate in the country, it should not be used as an excuse to commit misrepresentations in the status quo of a community.

"After all, these reported numbers are not just mere statistics, these are actual stories, grievances, and transgressions of Filipinos that must be addressed by the authorities within the bounds of their mandate," the CHR pointed out.