The number of crime incidents dropped sharply in the first two weeks of the community quarantine, data from the Police Regional Office XI revealed.
From March 16 to 27 this year, the recorded total crime incidents was 441, which translates to a 23.7% decrease from the 578 incident for the same period last year.
There were 32 crimes against persons, 30 crimes against property, 157 non-index crimes, 80 traffic incidents, and 42 violations on special laws.
In comparison last year, there were 75 crimes against persons, 43 crimes against property, 25 non-index crimes, 47 traffic incidents, and 163 violations on special laws.
“There is a high decrease of 137 crime incidents in the whole region,” Maj. Eudisan Gultiano, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, said.
The community quarantine was implemented in the region since March 16 while the lockdown was on March 19 to contain the spread of COVID-19. Local government units also enforced a curfew starting at 9 p.m.
Index crimes, as defined by the Philippine National Police, include murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape, as well as crimes against property, such as robbery, theft, carnapping/carjacking and cattle rustling.
Non-index crimes, on the other hand, involve special laws and local ordinances.
Also, based on the record of the PRO XI, Davao City registered 17 index crimes from March 16 to 27, 2020 against the 49 for the same period last year. Of the total, 10 were crimes against persons and seven against properties.
For non-index crimes, Davao City tallied 27 and 63 each for traffic violations and special laws.
Davao City has been placed under community quarantine effective March 15, 2020, amid threats posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mayor Sara Duterte issued Executive Order 10 stating there is “a need immediately to be aggressive and proactive on the impending spread of COVID-19,” noting that “there are limited testing kits and results take too long to become available.”
The mayor described “community quarantine” as “a step away from lockdown.”
Then on March 19, the regional wide lockdown took effect, closing all the borders and entry going to the region.
Since the implementation of community quarantine, it was observed that less people are going out from their houses, except for necessities and emergencies.
BY RHODA GRACE SARON
ON MARCH 30, 2020
