Murder cases down by 7.98%: PNP

Based on data from the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), the total number of murder cases in the country from January to August 2017 decreased to 6,391, which is lower by 554 cases compared to 6,945 cases recorded in the same period last year. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The number of murder cases in the country dropped by 7.98 percent or 554 cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday.

Based on data from the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), the total number of murder cases in the country from January to August 2017 decreased to 6,391, which is lower by 554 cases compared to 6,945 cases recorded in the same period last year.

Of the total number, murder has accumulated 8.41 percent of Index Crime Distribution over the period of January to August 2017.

DIDM head Police Dir. Augusto Marquez Jr. said the decline in murder incidents nationwide was due to the PNP’s intensified campaigns and focused actions against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs.

On the other hand, theft is the most prevalent crime accounting to 24,825 or 32.65 percent to the total of Index Crime Distribution of the same period, Unit Crime Periodic Report (UCPER) showed.

The UCPER, a crime information system, said that theft cases have significantly declined by 10,911 or 30.53 percent, from 35,736 to 24,825 of the same period covered.

The DIDM report also disclosed that before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assumed his post, the murder trend has already ramped up to 1,265 incidents compared to the 803 cases from June to July 2016.