Cagayan Valley secure and stable, says PNP 2

Cabarroguis, Quirino (29 July) — The Philippine National Police (PNP 2) region 2 said that the entire region is secure and stable as presented during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held here last week.

In a report presented during the RPOC meeting, PC/Supt. Roberto Damian said in his report that there was significant increase in criminality that is attributed to the increase in index and non-index crimes.

Index crimes are crimes committed against persons or property. For the period a total of 554 crime incidents were reported, an increase of 156 incidents or 39.20% as compared to the 398 incidents during the previous period.

Non-index crimes are crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws. For January to June 2009, the PNP registered a total of 523 incidents, which is higher by 111 or 26.94% as compared to the 442 incidents for the previous period.

In the report, there was a significant increase in index crime due to the increase in the incidence of Physical Injuries and in vehicular accidents resulting to loss of lives, physical injuries and damage to properties.

On non-index crimes, it also increased more or less 27% and this is attributed to the recent directive from the PNP headquarters that all PNP units should report all crimes from all sources to include those from the other law enforcement agencies to reflect a true picture of the crime situation in each area.

PNP 2 also admitted that crime solution rate in the region has decreased. This is expected to decrease more because of the new definition of solved cases wherein arrest is required.

The PNP also has identified its crime prone areas to focus on anti-criminality measures and has coordinated with other government agencies through the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC) to unify efforts against criminality.

The PNP continuously conducts checkpoints and dragnet operations to enforce the “No Plate, No Travel Policy” and help LGUs implement local ordinances.

“PNP 2 will remain to be vigilant and maintain its strong partnership and linkages with other law enforcement agencies and local government units including the civil society,” the report said. (PIA Isabela)