“Crime rate in Cordillera drops almost 10% in 2023” – Cordillera police

La Trinidad, Benguet - A decrease in crime rate was observed in the Cordillera region in the previous year, according to the Police Regional Office.

The PRO - Cordillera, represented by Police Colonel Jeremias Oyawon, reported on February 21 that a total of 3,815 crimes were recorded in the region in 2023. The figure is 10.80 percent lower compared to the 4,277 cases in 2022.

Of the 3,815 cases, non-index crimes topped the list with 1,247, which is lower compared to the 1,471 in 2022.

Topping the list are violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 with 228 cases; violation of Republic Act 9262, or the Violence Against Women and their Children law, with 151 cases, and violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, with 125 cases.

Likewise, index crimes declined to 760 from 821 cases in 2022.

These include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and cattle rustling. The top three most prevalent crimes were theft with 234 cases, rape with 224, and physical injuries at 118.

Regarding suspects’ profiles, individuals aged 18-35 years old recorded the highest number of arrested personalities in rape incidents for both 2022 and 2023. The majority of rape cases transpired in residential houses.

Among the activities being conducted by the agency in addressing rape incidents were dialogues in the community or "pulong-pulong", distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, house visits, storytelling for younger children, and inter-agency meetings.

They also conduct lectures for male participants in different towns of the region, as well as continuously capacitating investigators handling rape cases.