THE Philippine National Police on Tuesday reported that the total number of crimes recorded nationwide has slightly increased in March as more areas were placed under the most relaxed Alert Level 1.
The Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management and Crime Research Analysis Center (CRAC) of the PNP reported the number of recorded crimes increased to 29,798 as of March 22, a 5.61 percent increase from February’s 28,214.
This after majority of the areas in country were placed under Alert Level 1 last March 1 by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases due to an improved coronavirus situation.
Quasi-offense cases saw the highest increase at 116.67 percent or from 6 in February to 13 in March.
Quasi-offense cases are civil cases that mean a negligent unlawful act that causes injury or loss to another and for which the law imposes an obligation for damages.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the increased mobility due to relaxed restrictions under Alert Level 1 may have contributed to the rise of index crimes like theft.
Index crimes are crimes against persons and property while non-index crimes are all other illegal acts, including violations of special laws or local ordinances.
Año exhorted the public to always be alert and wary of their surroundings, especially when in crowded places, to avoid getting victimized by thieves.
The same data showed that the index crime volume went up from 2,726 to 2,841 or a 4.22 percent increase.
A total of 995 cases of theft were recorded in March, an 8.03 percent jump from 921 in February. There were 328 reported murder cases in March, up by 4.09 percent compared with 292 from the month before.
There were also 386 cases of physical injury in March, an increase from the 336 such cases in February, or an increase of 14.88 percent.
However, homicide recorded a 17.11 percent increase, from 76 in February to 89 in March.
Rape cases went down by 12.64 percent, from 522 in February, it is now at 456 as of March.
Public safety indicators or those violating protocols increased by 15.55 percent or were recorded at 13,331, up by 1,794 from the previous month.
Due to increased mobility amid eased restrictions, vehicular accidents increased by 15.43 percent or 13, 210 from last months’ 11,444.
