Puerto Princesa crime rate drops Jan-May

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) here released a comparative report indicating a drop in the city's crime rates during the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Data showed that from January 1 to May 31, a total of 40 incidents were recorded, down from 58 during the same timeframe last year.

Among the specific crimes, cases of rape saw the most substantial decrease, with incidents dropping from 22 in 2023 to just seven in 2024.

Physical injury cases also saw a significant reduction -- from seven last year to only three this year.

Murder cases were halved, dropping from 4 to 2.

Capt. Maria Victoria Iquin, spokesperson of the PPCPO, said on Friday that the installation of additional police stations and increased police visibility significantly contributed to the decrease.

These measures, along with improved response times and the formation of Neighborhood Crime Watch groups in communities, strengthened the overall security and safety.

Two Police Community Precincts were activated in Barangay San Miguel and Barangay San Jose along with the establishment of a forward base in Barangay Bacungan.

“The establishment of the three new police stations really helped a lot. Another reason (for the decline of crime) is our higher police visibility. Even police officers who are assigned to administrative work are now required to render two hours of police visibility patrols,” she explained in Filipino.

The Neighborhood Crime Watch involves chat groups in every “purok” (small neighborhood), where residents are reminded of basic safety measures like locking doors and windows.

“They (residents) also use them (chat groups) to relay information about things going on in their neighborhoods,” Iquin said.

However, not all crimes declined, she reported.

Theft cases increased from 14 to 15; robbery from 7 to 9; and homicide from 2 to 3. (PNA)