Crime incidents in PH see 3.29% decline in H1 2024: DILG

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday reported a 3.29 percent decrease in total crime incidents in the country during the first half of the year.

During the House of Representatives appropriations committee hearing on the DILG's proposed P281.3 billion budget for 2025, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan attributed the period-over-period decline in crime incidents this year to the "sustained and aggressive anti-criminality efforts" of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Iringan highlighted that crime solution and clearance efficiency have also seen significant improvements with the PNP sustaining a crime efficiency rate of more than 94 percent and crime solution efficiency of more than 87 percent.

It can be recalled that the Philippines was named the third safest country in Southeast Asia by the international think tank Gallup in its 2023 Global Law and Order Report. The country also placed 33rd out of more than 160 countries in the overall global ranking.

"The PNP likewise strengthened its anti-cybercrime operations from the central to the regional police offices with 87 percent of reported cybercrimes solved," he said.

In terms of sustaining peace and order, Iringan noted that the government's flagship anti-drug program "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" (BIDA) led to more drug-cleared barangays totaling 28,899 as of June 2024.

In addition, he said, 70 percent of jails, or 305 out of 433, had been classified as drug-free and drug-cleared.

"On sustaining peace and order, our flagship program 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan' Program or BIDA program has made significant progress through prevention and aggressive drug operations, while putting value on human lives and intensifying rehabilitation and reintegration of persons who use drugs," he said.

He also reported the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at P14.6 billion this year, as well as the arrest of 30,554 illegal drug personalities.

Iringan said the DILG's proposed P281.3 billion budget for 2025 marks a 6 percent increase from this year's allocation of P265.5 billion.

"The DILG assures this committee that this will be used to fully support the priorities and thrusts of our government," he said.

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the PNP for conducting lawful, humane, and bloodless police operations to weed out criminality.

Speaking at the 123rd Police Service Anniversary, Marcos acknowledged the strong determination of the police force to maintain peace, security, and harmony across the country.

Commending the leadership of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, Marcos said "noteworthy reforms and achievements" were made in recent months.

"Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking, and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful," the President said.

"Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible."

In this 3rd State of the Nation Address on July 22, Marcos pledged to continue the bloodless campaign against illegal drugs in the country.

Marbil said the new approach to combat illegal drugs has been effective in earning the trust and confidence of the people.

He said this was proven by the continuing downtrend in crime volume across the country.

Citing PNP data, he said there was a significant decrease in rape, car theft, and robbery, along with a 21.09 percent reduction in cybercrime incidents. (PNA)