CEBU CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Despite the slight increase in total crime incidents (TCI) for the second quarter this year compared to the same period in 2020, the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) reported that the peace and order environment in the region remains calm as index crimes dipped.

From April to June 27, 2021, the PRO-7 recorded a total of 988 Index crimes, which is 41 less incidents compared to the same period last year at 1,029 incidents.

Index crimes center on eight focus crimes, namely: theft, physical injury, robbery, murder, rape, carnapping of motorcycles and vehicles, and homicide.

Though theft, robbery, and carnapping registered an increase, it is not sufficient to overturn the 2020 figure of the same period.

Index and non-index crimes both recorded a drop in incidents from 7,643 cases in April to June 2020 down to 6,323 incidents of the same period this year or equivalent to a 17% decline, the PRO-7 reported during the recent 2^nd Quarter Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-7) meeting.

For non-index crimes, there are 1,282 lesser incidents this year or a decline of 19.4% based on second quarter comparative data between 2020 and 2021.

Non-index crimes include violations of special laws like illegal drugs and illegal gambling.

Likewise, the average monthly peace and order crime rate in the second quarter also decreased from 33.29 in 2020 down to 26.16 in 2021.

The TCI, however, registered a 14.8 percent hike from April to June this year at 10,817 compared to 9,421 in the same period of 2020.

Based on record, the increase in the TCI is largely attributed to the sharp rise of vehicular incidents or reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, physical injury and damage to property, which registered a 152% surge from 1,778 cases in the second quarter of 2020 to 4,494 cases covering the same period of 2021.

The PRO-7 further said the increase in the total crime volume in the region for the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year is mainly caused by the increase of public safety crimes due to the imposition of the more relaxed General Community Quarantine in Central Visayas, allowing more people outside their residences and more vehicles on the road.

Central Visayas police chief PBGen. Ronnie Montejo, who sits as RPOC-7 vice chairperson, expressed optimism that the decline in crimes will continue as the Philippine National Police intensifies its campaign against all forms of criminalities.

Montejo also said the enhancement of the skills and capabilities of the PNP personnel will continue in facing the different challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. (FCR/PIA7)