MANILA – The country’s overall crime rate decreased by 7.8 percent in nearly nine months, and more than 54,000 crime suspects were arrested, thanks to “aggressive and honest law enforcement operations,” the Philippine National Police said on Saturday.
In a news forum in Quezon City, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., chief of the PNP, said that from Jan. 1 to Sept. 15, 2023, the PNP recorded 11,975 incidents compared to the same period last year, representing a 7.87 percent drop in crime rate.
“In our relentless pursuit of justice, we have made a significant stride in apprehending wanted persons, and, today, through our aggressive and honest law enforcement operations we have arrested a total of 54,653 individuals including 56 wanted persons with rewards,” the PNP chief said.
Acorda said the campaign against illegal drugs has also shown “progress,” noting that during 34,496 operations conducted, the PNP seized over P7.2 billion worth of illegal drugs since the beginning of this year.
The campaign against loose firearms has resulted in the recovery and surrender of 34,404 firearms, he added.
Intensified police presence
To ensure the safety and security of the public, Acorda said the PNP intensified police presence and visibility in crime-prone areas and other public convergence points.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to the dedicated men and women of the Philippine National Police for their unwavering commitment to duty,” he added.
Acorda said that the PNP personnel’s performance during the country’s Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 also earned commendations and accolades from foreign guests and delegates.
The police leadership firmly believes that the majority of more than 226,000 PNP personnel are honest and upright and are committed to their duties, Acorda said.
‘Cleansing our ranks’
“However, we acknowledge that there are instances of misconduct and we are taking decisive actions to address them. Our commitment to cleansing our ranks remains steadfast,” he added.
From Jan. 1, 2022, to Aug. 30, 2023, he said the PNP resolved 4,082 cases involving personnel resulting in appropriate penalties and disciplinary actions.
“As part of our integrity enhancement program, we have conducted nearly 116,000 random and mandatory drug tests. Any personnel found positive for drug use are swiftly dismissed from the police service,” he said.
He also noted the role of the media and the public as watchdogs of truth and justice as he emphasized the PNP’s commitment to cooperation, transparency, and accountability. (Jerome Aning © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
