MANILA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said that crime declined 34.45 percent across the country amid the lockdown imposed to stop the COVID-19 spread.
PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa said "public cooperation and support are key factors" that led to the decline in crime as the lockdown keeps people inside their homes.
The PNP crime data showed that the national total crime volume dropped 34.45 percent from 58,705 cases recorded from Feb. 1 to March 16, down to 38,484 cases recorded from March 17 to April 30.
"If this trend can be sustained after the enhanced community quarantine is eventually downgraded, then we can look forward to better days ahead with less crime and lesser fear of crime," Gamboa said in a statement.
The police data also showed that "serious crimes, that make up only 8.8 percent of the total crime volume, registered 60.49 percent decrease or 4,087 fewer cases over the same period from 6,756 cases down to only 2,669 cases.
PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said serious crimes or the Index crime cases "are more accurate indicators of the crime situation." These crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, carjacking, carnapping of motorcycle, and rape, Banac said.
Banac said the low crime rate can be attributed not only to the restricted movement of people but also to the increased presence of law enforcers, and the liquor ban.
The Philippines imposed a lockdown in mid-March to prevent the transmission of the virus. The lockdown forced millions of people to stay at home while the government strengthens its health system and other response to contain the virus. The lockdown runs until May 15. Enditem
